Carnival Mardi Gras which is a new class cruise ship coming to Carnival Cruise Line in 2020 will feature new premium suites and a new secluded retreat.
New Suites and Retreat for Mardi Gras
Carnival Cruise Line has announced new details about the new Mardi Gras cruise ship which will arrive in 2020. The cruise line revealed details about new premium level suites Carnival Excel suites, exclusive new amenities for suites and even a new secluded retreat space called “Loft 19.”
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said:
“As we continue to announce details on Mardi Gras, guests will see that this ship is going to have more choices to stay and more choices to play.”
“All of our accommodations have been designed to exceed our guests’ expectations, and the suite offerings will kick that up a notch or two for those who want an extra special Choose Fun vacation.”
Secluded Retreat Named Loft 19
The new retreat will debut on the Mardi Gras in 2020 and it will be called Loft 19. The exclusive space will be located on the highest deck of the ship and inspired by some of the world’s best resorts.
There will be a full bar service and a private pool. Sun loungers and cabanas will be located around the pool too. The cabanas will be stocked with fresh fruit, chilled towels, robes, and guests can even get lunch delivery along with concierge service. Those booked in the new premium Excel suites will get priority reservations.
Rendering: Carnival Cruise Line
Premium Carnival Excel Suites
It was also revealed that the new cruise ship will have 32 suites across four categories. There will be six Carnival Excel suites on decks 10, 11 and 12 which includes expanded space for dining. The will be twelve Carnival Excel corner suites on the port and starboard side of the ship with wraparound balconies and even more space. Twelve Carnival Excel aft suites will provide large wraparound balconies with lush ocean views. There will be two Carnival Excel presidential suites located on deck 17 and the largest in the fleet.
All those booked in any of the 32 Carnival Excel suites will be able to enjoy priority boarding and debarkation, priority main dining room seating, plush bathrobes and bottled water upon arrival. They will also enjoy these added extras:
Unlimited access to Loft 19
Dedicated concierge phone line
Guaranteed specialty dining times (with the exception of Bonsai Teppanyaki and the Chef’s Table)
Complimentary Bottomless Bubbles soda package, room service and laundry
Sparkling wine and fresh fruit basket upon arrival
Upgraded bathroom amenities
The ship will also feature Ocean suites, Havana suites, family harbor suites, and cloud 9 spa suites. Many of these were first introduced on the Vista-class cruise ships. All accommodations on the Mardi Gras do come with USB outlets.
The new ship is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The maiden voyage will depart Copenhagen on August 31, 2020. The ship will be around 180,000 gross tons once completed.
The cruise line also announced today of the iconic Family Feud TV game show that will be part of Mardi Gras’ entertainment offerings.
Royal Caribbean has canceled three Oasis of the Seas sailings after a crane collapsed onto the ship during dry dock in Freeport, Bahamas.
Royal Caribbean Cancels Sailings
Royal Caribbean has canceled three sailings out of Port Canaveral after a crane fell onto the aft section of the ship. After assessing the damage, the cruise line will need extra time to make fixes.
Those guests who are booked on April 7, April 14 and April 21 sailings are receiving full refunds as the Royal Caribbean cruise ship will be delayed returning to service due to the damage done.
The incident resulted in damage to the Aqua Theatre and some suites. Considering the situation and our need to complete the scheduled maintenance, we've only canceled the sailings on 4/7,4/14, and 4/21 in order to undergo repairs. Hope this helps. 😊😊
April 7: 7-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise – Canceled
April 14: 7-Day Western Caribbean Cruise – Canceled
April 21: 14-Day Transatlantic Cruise – Canceled
The cruise line has been communicating the details directly to guests who are impacted by the cancellations. The company has also been responding to worried guests via Twitter. After assessing the damage to the ship the AquaTheater and some suites located at the aft were damaged. The ship was also listing towards its starboard side.
Around 1,200 crew members were evacuated from Oasis of the Seas just after the crane fell. With nowhere for them to go two cruise ships operated by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line offered to help.
While Grand Celebration was also in Freeport, the ship provided aid to the Royal Caribbean crew members. Grand Classica also let the stranded crew members stay overnight and provided food. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line offers short round trip sailings to the Bahamas from Port of Palm Beach, Florida.
Another cruise line has come to help those crew members who had to evacuate Oasis of the Seas after a crane collapsed onto the ship.
Two Cruise Ships Help Oasis of the Seas Crew
You’re probably already aware of a major incident yesterday at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. A large crane at dock 2 collapsed onto the aft section of Oasis of the Seas at the beginning of dry dock. This forced everyone to be evacuated from the ship as it also listed towards the starboard side. You can read our original breaking news post right here.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line which offers short cruises from Port of Palm Beach to the Bahamas has been involved in helping crew members of the Royal Caribbean operated Oasis of the Seas.
Grand Celebration was in Freeport at the time when the crane fell onto the Oasis-class vessel. In a letter to guests posted by WPBF 25 News, the ship welcomed the crew members after they were unable to return to Oasis of the Seas with all their belongings onboard. The ship remained in port longer to provide humanitarian relief.
As a result, the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line operated ship was delayed by 2-3 hours arriving back into Port of Plam Beach, Florida.
The Grand Classica will be acting as an overnight hotel for the @RoyalCaribbean crew, according to an email obtained from the ship’s leadership.
Another cruise ship named the Grand Classic which the same cruise line operates is going a step further by looking after the approximately 1,200 crew members from Oasis of the Seas overnight. The ship is acting as a hotel for the stranded crew and is offering dinner, lunch, and breakfast. The ship captain has also asked the Grand Classica crew members to help in any way they can by providing a toothbrush, phone charger or anything else to make things easier for them.
This is developing news and Royal Caribbean is expected to release a new statement at around 5:00 PM EST including details of the damage done to Oasis of the Seas which is one of the world’s largest cruise ships.
A crane has collapsed on Oasis of the Seas in the Bahamas. The cruise ship is operated by Royal Caribbean and one of the largest in the world.
Crane Falls on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship
A large crane has collapsed onto the Oasis of the Seas cruise ship during a routine dry dock at the Grand Bahamas Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. Eight people have been injured.
As seen in a video posted online, the crane has caused the 220,900 gross ton ship to list towards its starboard side. The crane collapsed onto the aft of the ship where the AquaTheatre is located.
“We are responding to a construction site incident at the Great Bahamas Shipyard, where Oasis of the Seas is currently in dry dock.”
“As of 1:45 pm EDT, we are accounting for the whereabouts of all site personnel and working with local authorities to determine if there have been any injuries. We are aware of damage to the dock structure and to construction cranes. We are assessing damage to the ship.”
In a video posted by the Bahamas Press, a worker mentioned that Dock 2 is gone and it is a “big disaster.” The emergency services have also been seen attending as there have been injuries.
The only people onboard a ship during a dry dock would be a limited number of crew members and shipyard workers. Royal Caribbean released another follow-up statement with further details:
Earlier today, we responded to a site incident at the Grand Bahamas Shipyard, where Oasis of the Seas is currently in drydock.
Shipyard management has informed us of eight injuries, none of them considered life-threatening.
We are aware of damage to the dock structure and to construction cranes. We are assessing damage to the ship. Drydock is a maintenance procedure, and there are no guests aboard the ship.
BP BREAKING| Bahamian police on Grand Bahama confirms an accident that occurred at GB Ship Yard.
Oasis of the Seas, which was once the largest cruise ship in the world when she entered service in 2009, only just entered the dry dock for routine maintenance. The ship was set to be fully upgraded and ready for a new summer service of Mediterranean cruises out of Barcelona, Spain, starting in May 2019.
The ship has a guest capacity of 5,400 at double occupancy, along with 1,650 crew members. While in dry dock, however, the full crew is typically not on board, as many are transferred to other ships in the fleet or begin their vacation during the renovation.
It’s not clear if the ship’s larger dry dock later this year or any upcoming sailings will be delayed. This is developing news and we’ll keep Cruise Hive readers updated as new details come out.
Holland America Line has now released a statement regarding the ms Nieuw Statendam cruise ship losing power which resulted in blackouts and a canceled port of call.
Repairs have been made to the engines and the ship is now fully functional. The issue was related to one of the diesel generators. You can read the full statement below:
While Nieuw Statendam was underway from St. Thomas to Half Moon Cay the ship experienced a technical issue with one of the diesel generators, causing a short black-out. During this time the ship, all guests & crew were completely safe & in calm water with good weather conditions.
Due to the delay and in an abundance of caution while the cause of the blackout was being addressed, the scheduled port call at Half Moon Cay was cancelled. The repair is complete and Nieuw Statendam is proceeding as scheduled.
PREVIOUSLY:
The newest Holland America cruise ship named Nieuw Statendam is suffering from major power loss and was adrift. A port of call has been canceled and there have been blackouts onboard.
Newest Holland America Cruise Ship Suffers Power Loss
Guests who are currently on the March 17 sailing out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida are posting that the Nieuw Statendam is suffering engine problems. As a result, the ship had lost power and was adrift for some time early this morning.
Thankfully the captain managed to safely keep the ship away from any land. Unfortunately, the scheduled call at the cruise line’s private island of Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas was canceled.
@HALcruises We are adrift on the new ship Nieuw Statendam with no power for propulsion and only one of four generators working for emergency power. We were approaching HALprivate island, Half Moon Cay @FoxNews@CNN@MSNBC
The newest ship in the fleet was originally expected to drop anchor at the island around 8:00 AM this morning. The power failure started as the ship was approaching the island according to guests.
Engineers onboard are actively working on fixing the engine issue and limited power has already been restored for food and drinks. It’s not clear what services were impacted and if the blackouts were shipwide.
@HALcruises@FoxNews Nieuw Statendam now has "limited" propulsion and we are no longer "adrift". Captain is keeping everyone well-informed and is a calming presence. Parts of ship remain in black out. https://t.co/9vGZlCacxV
Nieuw Statendam is very slowly heading back to its homeport of Port Everglades, Florida and is scheduled to arrive on Sunday morning. With limited power and propulsion, it is not known if the arrival back will be delayed. Guests booked on the next March 24 sailing should check with Holland America Line for confirmation and details about this.
The new Holland America cruise ship is currently sailing a 7-night eastern Caribbean cruise which also included stops at Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and finally Half Moon Cay which did not take place.
The ship recently joined the fleet and was delivered from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri on November 30, 2018. A recent christening ceremony was held on February 2 which featured godmother Oprah Winfrey.
The 2,666 passenger vessel is the second Pinnacle-class and sister ship to ms Koningsdam. The ship is 99,500 gross tons and the most advanced in the fleet so far.
Crafts – beading, jewelry making, cross stitch, scrapbooking, crocheting, and more – don’t have to be just stay-at-home projects. If you enjoy crafts as a way to relax, why not enjoy them on your vacation? More and more cruise lines are offering craft projects on board as fun, engaging activities for all ages, and dedicated crafters can always bring their own projects along to relax during their cruise vacation.
Craft Activities at Sea
Many different cruise lines are offering craft activities on board, with different options available for all ages. While the exact projects will vary depending on the cruise line, sailing itinerary, and port destinations, different craft options are becoming more popular with passengers.
Projects such as key chains, beaded bracelets, paracord bracelets, cross stitch pictures, custom door hangars, charm bracelets, decorated flip flops, scrapbook pages, seashell photo frames, and painting canvases are all fun activities.
Some activities may only be offered in children’s or teen programs, while others are available for all passengers to enjoy. Check the daily newsletter for the times and locations of craft projects, but be aware that most projects are only offered one time per cruise. Different activities on other days are likely to be completely different projects, so don’t miss all the fun opportunities to try new crafts throughout your cruise.
In general, projects can be completed in an hour or less, and before you know it you’ll have a hand-made souvenir to remember all the fun of your cruise vacation.
Most cruise activity craft projects are free of charge, with all materials and instructions provided, though some more complicated projects may have nominal fees that will be disclosed before you begin.
Craft-Themed Cruises
If you want even more craft-oriented fun on your cruise vacation, why not consider a specialized craft-themed cruise? These specialty sailings offer more detailed enjoyment of a popular craft, such as beading, knitting, scrapbooking, quilting, stamping, or cross stitch.
Craft-themed cruises can be found on all types of cruise ships, including both ocean liners and river cruises, and different lines offer may craft themes throughout the year while visiting a variety of destinations and ports of call.
On a themed cruise, crafting passengers can sharpen or expand their skills with expert lectures and personalized instruction, and there may be an exclusive project available for passengers to complete. Designers and retailers may be on board and offer talks and tips, and there may also be specialty excursions such as to a local craft museum, factory, or other craft-related attraction.
While all passengers are welcome on craft-themed sailings, guests interested in joining the craft activities may need to pay additional fees for that specialized access. Guests who do not want to join the crafting activities do not pay the theme-related fees.
You can easily make any cruise vacation a crafting voyage if you bring your own projects along when you set sail. While there are plenty of activities to do on board – including craft projects – passengers are always welcome to bring their own projects.
To safeguard your carefully crafted work, however, it is best to double-check lists of prohibited travel items on the ship, as well as on airlines if you will be flying before or after your cruise, to be sure no materials or supplies might be confiscated.
If you need large needles or hooks such as knitting needles or crochet hooks, for example, plastic or wooden tools are safer for travel and less likely to cause any confusion or difficulties with security precautions.
Bring along disposable supplies if possible, such as copies of charts or patterns rather than originals, and leave behind any supplies you won’t be needing during your cruise, such as finishing details when you’re only just starting the project.
If you have heirloom supplies, such as a pair of sewing scissors or snips passed down from a favorite relative, it may be best to leave them at home and bring along less expensive, more readily disposable options just in case.
All sharp parts of your project, such as needles and scissors, should be securely wrapped and kept safely fastened so they pose no risk to security inspectors or baggage handlers.
Similarly, any paints, glues, or other materials that might spill should be stored tightly closed and layered with protection so there is no risk for damage, and you should bring along the smallest quantities possible to save room in your luggage and be sure no supplies are wasted or over travel allowances.
For more convenience, store your entire project in a clear bag or case that can be easily examined in case there are any questions or concerns.
With care and proper precautions, you can easily bring along your favorite craft projects on your cruise, turning any voyage into your very own craft-themed sailing.
Worrying news for the Southern Caribbean cruise destination of Antigua as Carnival Cruise Line has decided to cancel calls to the port. This post has been updated with a statement from the cruise line.
Ship Visits to Antigua Canceled
According to a Nation News, Carnival Cruise Line has decided to cancel port of calls to Antigua which is located in the Southern Caribbean. The canceled visits are set to impact guests booked on Carnival Breeze, Carnival Magic, Carnival Legend and Carnival Pride starting from November 2019.
Cruise Hive has received an official statement from Carnival:
”Government officials in Antigua have taken steps which indicate they don’t want cruise lines and our guests to visit so for the time being we are focusing our itineraries on the destinations that are more welcoming.”
President of the Antigua and Barbuda Cruise Tourism Association (ABCTA) Nathan Dundas first spoke about the worrying news of the canceled ship visits and how it will have a huge impact on local business’ which were set to benefit from the estimated 250,000 cruise visitors those ships were expected to bring for the season.
Vance Gulliksen from Carnival Cruise Line told Cruise Hive the cruise industry is concerned about cost increases outlined in the new concession agreement making Antigua uncompetitive. He also mentioned that the government is clearly anti-cruise and ignores the significant economic impact the industry brings to the island. The cruise line would prefer to support Caribbean destinations which work well and support back.
Even though an official reason has been provided to us from Carnival there could be more behind it. The island making a multi-million dollar agreement with London-based Global Ports Holding. The agreement is set to expand the cruise port at Antigua. This is also the same company who recently announced a huge development investment for an expanded cruise port at Nassau, Bahamas.
Another reason could be due to the growing crime targeting cruise ship passengers in and around the port area.
Cruise passengers already booked on sailings to Antigua through 2020 have been receiving letters from Carnival regarding port changes. Alternative destinations in the Caribbean are replacing Antigua such as Tortola and St. Kitts. Any shore excursions booked through the cruise line for the island are also being refunded back the same way.
What’s worrying for the island is there could be further cruise ships from Carnival-owned cruise lines canceling calls including Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and British based P&O Cruises.
This is developing news, and we will be updating the post once more details are known.
Carnival Freedom has completed its dry dock in the Bahamas and the ship has now returned to service with the latest features and enhancements.
Carnival Freedom Completes Upgrade
The third Carnival cruise ship of 2019 has been upgraded and it’s only March! Carnival Freedom returned to service on March 9 after completing a refurbishment which lasted just over two weeks.
The renovation took place at the popular Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. The majority of Carnival ships are upgraded there due to its close proximity to vessel itineraries.
Carnival Freedom went into dry dock on February 13 and during that time a brand new waterworks was installed. This will bring even more fun to all types of guests and brings the ship inline with other already upgraded ships in the fleet.
A new Deli and Bonsai Express were also added to provide even further dining choices. This is all in addition to the regular new carpeting, tiling, stateroom updates, hull paint, and maintenance. The upgrade was completed on March 8.
The Conquest-class vessel was previously refurbished in 2014 and that was when all those FUN 2.0 features were added such as Guy’s Burger Joint and the Alchemy Bar.
Carnival Freedom returned to service on March 9 out of Galveston, Texas. The ship departed on a 7-night western Caribbean cruise, including calls at Cozumel, Belize City, and Roatan, before returning to its homeport of Galveston on March 16.
This year started with the oldest ship in the fleet, Carnival Fantasy, being upgraded, but once complete, towards the end of January, not everything went to plan. The Spirit-class ship Carnival Pride then underwent a routine refurbishment from February 3 – 16.
This leads us to one of Carnival’s largest-ever ship upgrades! The Carnival Triumph is undergoing a major transformation into Carnival Sunrise in Cadiz, Spain. The ship will debut with new cruises out of Norfolk, Virginia on April 29, 2019, so do keep following Cruise Hive for all the latest on that front.
If you’re on a cruise vacation in the eastern Caribbean there’s a good chance you’ll be able to experience the stunning island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands. We’ve done some digging and come up with a list of these things to do in St. John.
At 28 square miles, the island is the smallest of the US Virgin Islands. But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in the number of attractions. Making this small tropical paradise a perfect Caribbean destination for cruisers. When in the USVI don’t miss the boat to St. John. Let’s start with some essential details on getting to the island…
Cruise Port Information
The only way you are getting to St. John is by ferry or boat. Cruise ships don’t directly dock there. They either dock in the nearby island of St. Thomas and offer a day trip excursion or they anchor offshore and tender to Cruz Bay.
Planning to visit St. John from St. Thomas? Then take a ferry from Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook to Cruz Bay in St. John. The latter route is preferable as its shorter, frequent, and more comfortable.
The longer route from Charlotte Amalie is less frequent and charges $12 one way while the shorter route charges $6.
1. Cruz Bay Town (Love City)
One of the best things to do in St. John is experiencing Cruz Bay Town. A small easy going, laid back town that is perfect for the romantic explorer. It’s no wonder it’s called the love city.
This town is where you will first arrive at when in St. John. Ferries from St. Thomas and nearby islands drop people off at Cruz Bay Harbour. There is plenty to do here like shopping at the Wharfside village or at Mongoose Junction. Both places feature interesting outlets bearing unique Caribbean architecture.
The quaint small outlets at these shopping centers host a variety of eateries and interesting souvenir shops. Points of interest in Cruz Bay include the Elaine Lone Sprauve Library and National Park Visitor Center.
2. Check out Elaine Lone Sprauve Library
Take a break from your city tour and escape sun or rain at the popular Elaine Lone Sprauve Library. It’s located just off Cruz Bay and is one of the best ways to learn about St. John’s history.
The 1751 plantation building hosting the library is in itself an attraction. However, venturing inside the well-stocked quiet library introduces you to an even bigger attraction. The history of the island. The Library displays the island’s past with unbelievably well-preserved photographs and newspaper clippings from previous centuries.
3. Island Tour
The best and fastest way to get acquainted with all of St. John is on an island tour. This tour takes you through the island’s historical sites, to the highest point on the island for some panoramic views of Coral Bay and ends with your own choice of a beach to swim and snorkel in.
Best of all, the guides give a detailed overview of the island, the history as passed on from generations and even some folklore.
This is a very fun trip, where you will learn the culture of the people, see the best of the island’s attractions and all that within 2 and a half hours. Leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy the beach of your choice.
This excursion is offered by the Star Fish Tours & Taxi Services and is done on open-ended trucks for incredible views. You can check them out here and here.
Here you will learn history dating back to the 1700s. Learn how sugar and rum were produced and some sad history about slavery on the island. The ¼ acre ruin has a hiking trail that goes through the sugarcane factory, windmill and slave cabin ruins.
One special thing about this ruins is that they overlook the waters offshore providing scenic views. A guided trip though not mandatory offers insider information that is very valuable.
You can do a DIY tour of this place or combine it with an island sightseeing safari with these tour operators
5. Tour Coral Bay
Coral Bay is a small quiet village found on the South Eastern Coast of St. John. This sleepy town is one of St. John’s best kept secrets. Coral Bay a beloved town by many US expats features a charming, friendly, and vibrant community atmosphere not seen anywhere else in the US Virgin Islands. It has quaint spots for shopping and eating.
Photo Credit: Dan Nelson (Creative Commons)
One of the most popular landmarks in this town is the Emmaus Moravian Church. Now registered as a historical place of interest by the US. This church built in the 17th century bears a rather dark and interesting history. You just have to visit to learn more.
Coral Bay is also where you find Salt Pond Bay and Hansen Bay Beach. Best for snorkeling and relaxing respectively. Nature lovers will love touring the mangrove at Hurricane Hole.
This side of the island was hard hit by the hurricane Irma and Maria of 2017 but is quickly recovering. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Cruz Bay.
6. Catherineberg Ruins
Stop by the Catherineberg Sugar Plantation ruins while driving down Centerline on your way to Coral Bay. These little known ruins are the most intact and beautiful sugar plantation ruins in St. John. They afford visitors the chance to explore both inside and outside. Though there are no placards telling the history of the place like at Annaberg.
You will love exploring the windmill and the huge dome-shaped structures on site. The Catherineberg ruins are split in two by the Centerline road.
The major ruin is on the right side and there is plenty of parking space. These lovely ruins which are overtaken by grass and vines make up for some of the best photos of the verdant countryside.
7. Virgin Islands National Park
When on an island like St. John where 2/3 of land is covered by forest then you are bound to explore nature. The Virgin Island National Park located on the northern side of St. John covers 60% of the island.
You can spend hours and hours on end in this park. It has plenty of beautiful beaches such as Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Honeymoon Beach, Hawksnest, Salt Pond and many others. Apart from the beaches, it has plenty of hiking trails too.
Photo: Copyright Cruise Hive
This trails cut through its varying landscape from thick rain forests to semi-arid areas. The trails help explore flora, fauna and even the islands history. With trails that take you through sugar plantation ruins and petroglyph rocks by the Taino Indians.
Some of the most popular trails include Reef Bay Trail, Lind Point Trail, Bordeaux Mountain Trail, Ram Head Trail, and Cinnamon Bay nature trail. A day trip to the park will create some of your most memorable experiences in St. John.
8. Shopping
Shopping in St. John is a real treat. Unlike the chaotic shopping in St. Thomas. St. John offers an easy laid-back experience. The main shopping scene in St. John is set at Mongoose Junction, the wharfside village and at Coral Bay.
What the island lacks in variety it more than makes up for in unique and quality items to shop. Go shop for jewelry such as hook bracelets (a traditional bracelet of the USVI’s) blue topaz jewelry, t-shirts, spices, ceramics, paintings, and other interesting gift options.
Some shops you shouldn’t miss include St. John Spices found at the Wharfside Village and Vibe Collection. The market place near the ferry dock is also a great place to shop for groceries. Mongoose Junction is a sight in itself that you shouldn’t miss.
Made in a beautiful tropical island structure, Mongoose Junction is a beautiful shopping complex that offers a relaxed shopping experience. Best of all there are no hard sells on the island.
9. Eating
St John offers a fun dining scene to complement its world-class beaches. From quaint waterfront restaurants in Cruz Bay to floating bars and beach restaurants along the northern coast.
You will have a great time tasting the island’s cuisine mostly made up of Caribbean and Continental cuisines. Expect great BBQ, burgers, pizza, smoothies, and seafood-based dishes. Some of the best places to eat at include the Skinny Legs in Coral Bay, the Lime inn in Cruz Bay and Woody’s.
10. 1000 Ways to Experience Honeymoon Beach
Honeymoon beach on Caneel Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in St. John. You can enjoy this sun-kissed stretch of pristine soft white sands in a number of ways. To start off, you can hike to the beach on the Lind Point Trail that starts behind the Virgin Island’s National Park Visitor Centre.
The Lind Point trail is considered one of the easiest in the island. It’s an easy 30-minute walk doable even by an amateur hiker. Another way to get to the beach is by a dinghy from Cruz Bay.
Photo Credit: Navin75 (Creative Commons)
Honeymoon Bay is only 1 mile from Cruz Bay, which makes it one of the most accessible beaches on the island. Being on Caneel Bay in the Virgin Islands National Park means it has great snorkeling and hosts great water sports adventures.
Try your hand at SUP, Kayaking, Parasailing or plain swimming and snorkeling. You are guaranteed a fun couple of hours on this shady stretch of beach.
The beach offers an all-inclusive day pass for roughly $29 or $49 where you get beach chairs, umbrella, snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP gear.
11. Experience World-Famous Trunk Bay
Trunk Bay is not only the island’s best beach but one of the best in the Caribbean! Trunk Bay is a quarter mile stretch of silky coral sands and warm, crystal clear waters. It’s located in the Virgin Island National Park and is beset in a scenic backdrop adding to the charm of the place.
Photo Credit: Everett Carrico
It’s popularly known for its underwater snorkeling trail, that offers plenty of info about the coral and marine life in the place. It has a healthy reef that is great to explore especially around trunk cay, a low grassy inlet offshore.
Discover more about this popular beach from Trip Advisor right here.
Trunk bay named after the turtles of the island is perfect for everyone. Snorkeling is easy for young and inexperienced snorkelers. It’s the only beach that charges a fee in St. John but offers amenities such as parking, beach restaurant, showers, beach chairs, and umbrellas. Trunk Bay is easily accessible by taxi from Cruz Bay.
Visit and spend time on one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Beware, however, that the beach gets rather crowded especially when there are cruise ships in port on St. Thomas or offshore St. John. Hence you want to arrive early to enjoy the beach.
12. Relax at Cinnamon Bay
At half a mile-long Cinnamon Bay is the largest beach on the island. It features a long stretch of silky coral sands with nice turquoise waters. Its healthy reef system supports budding sea life making it a great beach for snorkeling. It’s located to the east of Trunk Bay and west of Maho beach. You can take a short scenic 4mile ride along the lush north shore to get to Cinnamon Bay Beach.
Photo Credit: Everett Carrico
Before hurricane Irma and Maria, Cinnamon used to have restaurants, camping grounds, lots of amenities and water concessions. However, the hurricanes wiped out the buildings and structures on the beach.
The beach itself is in a perfect and healthy condition. Recovery of the infrastructure at the beach is underway. Cinnamon Bay is your perfect escape from the crowds at Trunk Bay.
13. Snorkel at Maho Bay
Maho Bay located just a few yards east of Cinnamon Bay is another popular beach in St. John. In fact, it’s preferable to the locals and visitors alike. It’s great for families with young kids because of the shallow sandy bottom shore that is perfect for wading and swimming in.
Maho is the most easily accessible beach on the island. It’s located along the northern shore road about 5miles from Cruz Bay. It has convenient but limited parking and amenities.
The beach features a narrow stretch of soft white sands lined with palm trees. It has a great snorkeling atmosphere especially along the edges of the beach. At the middle of the bay is a low grass sea bed which is home to sea turtles and stingrays. Go early to swim with the turtles and stingrays.
14. Take a Hike
The island has over 20 hiking trails that range from challenging hikes to easy walks. Explore the island’s stunning landscape of world-class beaches, enchanting ruins, towering waterfalls, mountains, rain forests, and scrublands.
Whether you want a short 330-minute walk in a shaded tranquil bird, flora, and fauna paradise. Or you want a heart-pumping, back-breaking, sweat dripping, adrenaline filled hike up a steep region, it’s all at the National Park.
If you are looking to do an easy leisurely walk in the park, then try Drunk bay trail and Lind Point trail. For challenging hikes, try Cinnamon Bay trail, Reef Bay Trail, Bordeaux Mountain, and Johnny Hall Trails.
Photo Credit: Navin75 (Creative Commons)
Explore the islands wild orchids that run rampant in the park, hang out with the occasional donkey or two and explore the petroglyph rocks at Reef Bay trail.
Once you are done enjoying panoramic views from strategic look-out points on Cinnamon Bay, Reef Bay and Boudreaux Mountain trails then descend and cool off in a pool or beach near you.
If you can only do one trail out of these, then do the Reef Bay Trail which is the most popular on the island. You can check out more details about the Reef Bay Trail here.
15. Water Adventures
St. John has all the fun water sports you need. Test the water in a relaxed Stand-Up Paddle Boarding tour of the clear turquoise waters of the island’s coast.
You can also go on a clear kayaking expedition to discover the underwater world of the stunning Caribbean island. Catching a bird’s eye view is also possible on a parasailing adventure. Combined with swimming, and boating all these water sports are an interesting way to spice up your beach day in St. John USVI.
St. John Weather
St. John US Virgin Islands experiences typical Caribbean weather. It’s sunny all year round and experiences highs of the 80s and lows of 70s.
Coolest months on the island are from December to March which is also the peak season. The best time to visit the island varies with your interests.
But there is a great pocket-friendly window between April and June. This is before the rains and after the crowds have left. Hurricane months run from June to November with September being the peak of that season.
Over to You
Now that you know what wonders await you in St. John plan early, pack wisely and go enjoy a vacation like no other.
When in St. John don’t let the clock rush you. Remember to slow down, relax and take it all in. That’s it from us. Happy Cruising!!
