Lynn did some more checking and found we could book through vacationstogo.com and also receive $150 on board credit and two bottles of wine if we booked through them. We talked it over and decided this would be a good time to get away from winter, let me run our boat in Key Largo, see our friends, and told ourselves we would keep our vacations for the rest of the year more modist in time away and cost (camping in a tent anyone?). We love cruises and we kept cost down (booking our normal inside cabin, using sky miles, etc), but in reality it all adds up. Oh well, I won't sweat it any more as it will be a great time, and as far as I know you only live once so enjoy life as you go, or as a tee shirt I saw in the cheesecake factory in Israel said, "Life is so uncertain, eat dessert first."
I will add my notes in bold, pictures, etc. once we are back. Italic is the some cruise critic suggestions Lynn is gathering, and the ships info is below in regular typeface.
Lynn's cruise critic's notes: Low impact Culture, Beach & Waterfalls in El Valle area $65pp Tours with Terry or Get a good taxi driver it will be a rewarding trip. The Taxi drivers are very helpful and courteous. Make sure to ask for one that speaks English and you should be good to go. We had 5 people in our group for $20.00 /person for 3 hours. One last thing as a point of interest, when you pull into port, look to the left on the hill and you will see a large resort it is called the Gran Bahia Principe Cayacoa it is a gated resort and if your taxi driver has connections he could get you in. We did visit the resort and the view is great.
Samana:Whale Watching\ Cayo levantado
Samana is a touch and go if you go to the main island, however we did the "caves and mongraves exploration" and they picked us up at the ship and took us to the national preserves and saw some of the most amazing sites I HAVE EVER SEEN! Dont let the word "caves" scare you... its not what you might imagine but I would do this excursion time and time again if I were to ever visit.
Samana is a peaceable town with brightly colored houses nestled in hillsides filled with coconut trees. Nearby Cayo Levantado has thick forests and scenic beaches. Parque Nacional Los Haïtises is perfect for a boat ride, with jungle-covered islands and mangrove forests. Those lucky enough to visit in January and February will witness humpback whales mating and bearing young in the waters off the coast. . . . Language: Spanish . . . Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP)
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Lynn's cruise critic notes: TAKE WATER SHOES
You take the ferry from Tortola to Virgin Gorda (the ferry is 30 minutes long each way), and then you take a short bus ride to the Top of The Baths. It takes about 10 minutes from the harbor in an open-air bus to the Baths and Devil's bay. From the Top of the Baths, you have to walk downhill a fairly short distance (walking at a SLOW pace - it will take 10-15 minutes) The path downhill, not bad, not too steep, one or two places are a little uneven. Most people can do this if they are careful and wear the PROPER FOOTWEAR (running shoes or GOOD sport sandals - NO flip flops.
We like to take the water taxi over to Virgin Gorda and go to The Baths. You walk right off the ship and go directly onto the ferry that’s waiting right on the same dock. We purchased the ferry/taxi package for $30 per adult. At the Baths the entry fee is $2 or $3. Sometimes there is a Smith's rep hanging around the parking lot by the pier. He will sell you a good combination deal - return ferry + open air taxi (return) to the Baths on Virgin Gorda - KEEP your taxi slip for the return ride from the Baths. Two years ago we got this deal for $20 each.
Speedys $30: to Virgin Gord: Sat: 10:30, noon, 13:30, from Virgin Gorda: 12:40 and 15:30
Smiths $30: to Virgin Gord: 10, 12:30 from Virgin Gorda: 15:00
Snorkel to Norman Island
We took a catermaran to Jost Van Dyke bay! Its a great ride because you get to see so much of the island and even St. John on the ride to the beach. Its a remote beach that you actually swim too (not more than 200 ft.) so its not over crowded and is ABSOLUTLY STUNNING!
Tortola is small in size, but huge in natural beauty. The island is capped with bold mountains and fringed with breathtaking beaches. The prime sites here are Cane Garden Bay and Sage Mountain National Park. Other options include snorkeling, diving and glass-bottom boat rides. . . . Language: English . . . Currency: US$
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Lynn's cruise critic's notes: Car rentals: We always rent from Triple A, a local company and no issues. We will rent from Arthur's on our March cruise as they rent from the pier. Many, many local companies have wonderful reputations on the island. Don’t use REYNOLDS car rental.
Fort St. Louis.. Going up to the Fort is a GREAT experience, highly recommended. Head to Sarafina's afterwards to reward yourself with a pastry.
*We have been to St. Martin several times and have taken the bus just about every time. The fare is now $2 per person…We usually walk downtown and turn down Old Street (off of Front Street which is the main street that runs along the waterfront. At the end of Old Street is a bus stop and you usually don't have to wait long for one to come along. We tell the driver where we want to go and sit back and enjoy the ride. You pay the driver when you reach your destination. On the way back, walk out to the main road and just wave down any bus that has P'burg in the front window. It will drop you on Back Street or anywhere along Salt Pond Rd. The buses are just long vans. There are no real bus stops, you just flag them when you see them. Often they have where they are going on a sign on the dash or you can ask the driver if they are going where you want.
Anyone wanting to go to the French side on their own can go ONE block over from Front street to BACK street and catch the local bus. It's $2 bucks per person to go there. Simply watch for a van with a sign that says Marigot and signal them. They go right near downtown to Marigot and it's a short two blocks down to the waterfront. You can shop, eat, people watch and return the same way. The bus will have a sign saying Philipsburg. You get on the bus with the locals and they can give you a goldmine of information IF you're not afraid to mingle. You pay the $2 bucks after you arrive handing it to the driver. It's the same route the taxies take.
I would probably head over to Marigot and ask to be dropped as near to the top of the fort as possible and then climb the last set of stairs to the fort. The views are great. You could walk down to the town in about 20 minutes.
Shops on Sundays: There may be many shops open in Philipsburg, especially if there are multiple ships in port, but not all. Shops at the Cruise Facility will be open. If they're really thinking of St. Martin (French side) not many will be open. The big shopping mall near the water in Marigot is now open on Sunday.
On our own Orient Beach
Flying two flags, this island is half-French and half-Dutch. Cruise ships more commonly call on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, known for its shop-lined, narrow lanes and daytime casinos. Island tours, cruising on an America's Cup yacht and snorkeling excursions are offered in Philipsburg. Golfers should check out Mullet Bay. . . . Language: Dutch . . . Currency: Euro(EUR), US$
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Lynn's cruise critic's notes: You walk two blocks from the cruise ship to Market Street. Turn right and walk about 1/4 mile, bus terminal will be on your right across from the public market. Take the #22. Ask the driver to let you know when you reach Valley Church Beach. You'll be dropped off near a large sign for the Nest Bar/Restaurant. Beach is on the opposite side of the street from where bus dropped you off. Follow the path to beach. 5 minute or so walk. Coming back is easy as bus stop is on the opposite side of road from where you were dropped off. Buses look like small vans and hold 15 passengers.
Take bus #22 ($3 ea way for 2). It's about a 15-minute walk from the pier (you can distinguish the buses from the taxi's by the bus number usually located in the front windshield) to Valley Church Beach. This place is incredible! Postcard perfect. Long lovely beach and an open-air restaurant with full bar. Elvis is the man who owns and operates the restaurant and owns the land. There are very basic rustic but clean restrooms a short walk away from restaurant along with an open air shower for rinsing off salt water. We rented beach chairs for a few dollars each, it is put on our tab. Swimming was great, lots of shells and such. We had a great lunch of salad, curried chicken (best we have ever had) and garlic bread along with two beer, one very strong rum punch (get Elvis to put a lot of juice in it as it is very strong, I was tipsy after a few sips) and a coke. Lunch, drinks, chairs cost us about $40 US, which was an amazing deal for all we got.
Valley Church and Turners are only about two miles apart, 10 minutes at most on the bus. You have time to visit both and make up your own mind. There are more beaches in between, such as Darkwood, which you could stop off at too. The road runs behind the beaches, so access is easy. Darkwood is definitely closer to the road than Valley Church. Turner's Beach is also on the bus #22 route after Jolly Beach, Valley Church and Darkwood.
On the north side of Dickenson Bay, you'll find more secluded beaches and some ideal snorkeling areas along the fan-shaped northern crown of Antigua.
Kayak and snorkel
The largest of the British Leeward Islands boasts 365 beaches and crystal-clear waters. History buffs will want to tour Nelson's Dockyard National Park, where one of the great admirals of the 18th century kept his fleet. The island draws a huge yachting crowd during Sailing Week in April and is perfect for windsurfing, water-skiing, sailing, snorkeling and diving. . . . Language: English . . . Currency: EC$, US$
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Lynn's cruise critic's notes: Snorkel & bring aqua shoes
We really enjoyed Dominica, and highly recommend you take advantage of a local tour company to see as much of the island as you can as it is really beautiful.
Most ships dock at Roseau Cruise Ship Berth. It is located right in town and literally just steps away from shops, restaurants and transportation. Downtown Roseau is within blocks of the dock and offers a local fruit and vegetable market that many say is the best in the Caribbean, as well as local arts and crafts stalls. A bit further from the pier but still within walking distance is the Dominican Botanical Gardens where you can catch a glimpse of the rare Sisserou parrot without going all the way to the park to see it.
One of the least developed Caribbean islands. As a result, it has one of the lowest hassle factors, and lots of beautiful unspoiled nature spots and hiking. Also one of the only surviving populations of Carib indigenous people.
If you are of the aquatic inclination, try Champagne Springs snorkeling! 20 minutes from the cruise terminal to what you could very loosely call a "beach". There is no beach, just rocks pebbles and boulders. Go to the far end of the bay for the best bubbles. The entrance to water is a little dangerous ,the swell can knock you into the boulders but once in the snorkeling is well worth it. Bubbles come from the sea floor, the further left you go the more bubbles. It is a unique experience . You can snorkel on your own or hire an onsite guide* (recommended) Go when it is sunny.
This beach is located 1.8 miles from Soufriere Sulphur Springs , On the southern coast of Dominica. Champagne is close to Pointe Michel, so walking the town is a definite option.
Whale watching good in March & beginning of April
Beno Tours rated better than Reyno; I would not book with Reyno again. He seems more concerned with filling his vehicles than honoring his commitments.
Trafalgar Falls, the Emerald Pool, Mr Nice Fruit Stand, Middleham Falls, Titou Gorge, a black sand beach and snorkeled at Champagne Reef. Carib Territory
Screws Spa? We took a taxi to Screw's Spa for $20 for 2 people. It's only about 15 minutes from the port. This is the most relaxing thing we ever done on a cruise. The surroundings and stone work are gorgeous and the pools are so warm. I could have spent much longer than an hour here. The taxi driver gave us an hour. I think it cost $10 each to get in. There was only 10-12 people there during our visit and we enjoyed it immensely...
Public Transport is readily available in the form of the ubiquitous mini-bus (look for number plates that begin with 'H'); the Old Market in Roseau is the 'terminus' for busses travelling south; the West Bridge for those travelling north. Fares are set by the government:
Sample Bus Fares (EC$)
Roseau to:
Calibishie $9.50
Canefield $2.00
Carib Territory $9.50
Grand Bay $4.50
Laudat $3.50
Loubiere $2.00
Marigot $9.50
Pointe Michel $2.00
Portsmouth $8.00
Scott's Head $4.00
Trafalgar $2.75
Layou Valley Tour- beautiful Rain Forest
**Took the Dominica Jewels Tour in December 2011. Donaldson did not ask for payment in advance. I highly recommend doing as much as you can in Dominica. We felt really good about how we spent our time on this tour. It was exhilarating but not exhausting. It was $45 pp. At the falls and the gorge, you had to pay a small entrance fee that was not included in the tour. Champagne Reef snorkeling was awesome. My guess is that the group would split up if only some wanted to snorkel. Donaldson changes the order of the attractions as needed and is very accommodating. I would say yes, it's worth going with the local chap.
Hired a driver to take us to Screw's Spa and to Champagne Beach. Screws Spa at Wotton Waven; For only $10 US, this value of this place can't be beat! We visited Screw's after hiking to the Boiling Lake, and I credit the hot pools with our ability to walk properly the next day. They are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily except Mondays. very unique hidden gem in the rain forests of Dominica. An hour or so is plenty of time there; they say to wear a dark suite, I think it has to do with the sulpher maybe? think if you went directly there (we haven’t yet), it might be 45 minutes to an hour. The cost depends on the size of the party. This year I think we paid $10 pp. I think the cost for one or two people is $20pp.
River hike to Sari-Sari falls
"The Nature Island" takes pride in its lush rain forests, the vast Morne Trois Pitons National Park, rare birds and the only remaining Carib Indian Tribe. The focus in this unspoiled land is on ecotourism, and excursions take tourists on walking tours of the renovated Cabrits fortress or on hikes through the rain forest in search of rare parrots. Jeeps are available for rent for those who want to make the scenic drive from Portsmouth to Roseau. . . . Language: English . . . Currency: EC$, US$
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Lynn's cruise critic's notes: Mt. Gay Rum Distillery… tours start 9:30 a.m. and run on the hour; $7 45 min.
Agapey chocolate factory tour: The factory is located downtown in Bridgetown very close to the cruise ship pier, south of Mount Gay Rum Distillery and just south of the Atlantis Submarine. All details and directions will be provided upon reservations.
Meeting Location: For cruise ship passengers
We are located behind the cruise pier terminal. It is about a 10 minute walk. Please be advised that a part of the road to the factory does not have sidewalks. Taxis are located outside the entrance - please ask how much to the factory BEFORE getting into the cab. By taxi, it's only a 1 minute taxi ride. Barbados is a very safe and a friendly island and very easy to get around.
The Mt. Gay Rum tour is great though - and lots of free samples
Yes, there are local buses you can ride. There's a bus stop about 200 yds.outside the gates of the Port (turn left at the roundabout and walk 200yds.) which will get you buses Northbound along our West Coast, but you gotta stick your hand out to stop the bus or he'll sail straight past you! (local culture)
We found the bus took us pretty much wherever we needed to go. Plus you get the added bonus of entertainment, especially riding the white ZR's. No better way to meet the locals and have some great conversations. Most are friendly and more than happy to help out with directions or recommendations...
Two types of buses service Barbados. Blue buses with yellow stripes are government-owned; their smaller, yellow and blue-striped counterparts are privately-owned. Fares for both types are $0.75(USD) and exact change is required.
The main difference between the two types of buses found on Barbados is that the privately-owned minibuses tend to have shorter routes, enabling them to pick up passengers more frequently. On the other hand, government buses take riders a little farther from the central hub of town - ideal for travelers interested in doing some sightseeing. Buses service most stops every 20 minutes, and both types generally post their destinations on the front of the bus. Locals will tell you that it's a good idea to flag the bus down with your hand, even if you are standing at the stop.
You can arrange a tour where the ship docks. It's probably best to walk outside the port area to the round-about to arrange a taxi tour because the taxis inside the port area are usually more expensive.
Paynes Beach is where most of the tour boat go The site is just off shore Another is Carlise Bay Beach is closer to the ship dock . Yes you can take a taxi or bus. These turtles are all in the wild We will be in Barbados and will be snorkeling at Paynes and Carlise Beaches This Jan.
I love love LOVED Hunte's Gardens… Our fine gardens and nursery are open daily, so simply come over and visit us. Admission is $20 Barbados Dollars / $10 USD per person, and includes drinks.
Full day Land Island tour (private company found on Trip advisor, Glory Tours )
With its natural caverns and flower forests, Barbados lends itself well to roamers. City tours of bustling Bridgetown are popular, as are island tours that show off the estates and plantation homes of the countryside. Other options include a rum party cruise or submarine ride. . . . Language: English . . . Currency: Barbados dollar, US$
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Lynn's cruise critic's notes: Caribelle Batik Studio in St. Kitts The Caribelle Batik Store, located a little over a mile northwest of the port, at Romney Manor, offers clothes made from the distinctive fabrics produced locally.
Brimstone Hill - World Heritage Site - lovely restored fortress, perched high on a hill. The views are amazing. The entrance fee is $8.00 US dollars.
The view from Timothy Hill (both directions) - one of the most outstanding photo ops in the Caribbean.
For $20 per person you can get a 3 hour tour around the island. There is a large group of tour guide/drivers waiting about 100 yards from the ship..
Bus transportation on St. Kitts and Nevis is unscheduled and sometimes unreliable, but buses are plentiful in the capitals. Buses near the ferry terminal in Basseterre will generally take you to the South and West of St. Kitts, while buses found at Baker's Corner will take you east and north. Another fun way of catching the bus outside the city is by flagging it down. Buses do not generally do full circles on either island and may run in one direction. Buses are easiest to catch in the busy mornings and during the afternoon but may be difficult to find past 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. on a weekday. Fares will usually be around $1(USD). Look for buses such as the "Rude Boy," "Zion Train," "Dem Say," and "Reggae Master" with their green license plates for an adventurous experience while on St. Kitts and Nevis. Mini buses are readily available on St. Kitts and are an inexpensive way to see the island. They can easily be flagged down on any route, but if the driver flashes his/her lights it means that the bus is full and he will not stop. The main bus terminal is about 150 yards just west of the port .
St. Kitts is home to some of the best examples of West Indian architecture, all of which is set amid a dramatically beautiful landscape. The best shore excursion is a well-organized island tour, featuring a visit to the 17th-century British fortress at Brimstone Hill and the sites of the capital. The beaches here are magnificent, including Friar's Bay, which opens to the Atlantic and the Caribbean. . . . Language: English . . . Currency: EC$, US$
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Princess had two buffet areas, with a good choice of foods and not much congestion. Horizon court buffet on Grand Princess had many choices, and I usually found something I liked. I did want more spices, sugar, garlic etc. to get more flavor, as I thought many dishes were fairly plain. The staff was very friendly, ready to find you a seat, carry a tray, and readily available to bring you drinks.
Carnivals buffet had four lines (areas) of similar food, a stir fry area, deli area, sushi area (5-8:00 p.m.), Tandoori area, but could use a better workflow on Carnival. Our suggestion would be to copy Princess's buffet as the food was spread out more and did not have long waits. The way Carnival has it, you stand in line waiting. Both had burgers, dogs, fries, pizza and dessert areas. Carnival has more areas, variety of food choices, and for me, sweets desert that are truly sweet, but the flow on Princess worked better with less waiting. The first night on Carnival I had creme brulee and chocolate molten cake and was in heaven eating both.
Rooms - We had inside rooms on both. Carnival was larger with more space in the room and bathroom; two closets instead of one on Princess, samples of bath products (toothpaste, razor blade, body gel) with shampoo and conditioner dispensers mounted conveniently in the shower and the shower head went higher, which is nice for taller folks. Hallways were wider on Carnival which was nice but the walls were less soundproof as you heard more noise (doors closing, people talking, flip flops going by, and even toilet flushing that you did not hear on Grand Princess).
Age of passengers, Carnival (average age in the 30s, probably due to having around 1,000 school age passengers, being on break the week before Christmas) was noticeably younger than Princess (average age was in the 50s). I believe Princess is usually an older crowd and quieter, but we have been happy on Carnival on our five cruises with them. I believe if you book a cruise longer than seven days, and when school is in session you will get an older aged clientele. There was a Serenity area on the bow for 21 and older only on Carnival Freedom at no cost. Princess had a Sanctuary area, which cost $10 per half day, but the ship was already an older laid back crowd so this was more for exclusivity in my opinion.
Work out rooms were similar but Carnival had about 4-6 inches more head room, and at 6'2" I had to stay slightly bent when using the elliptical on Princess.
Long and short, we can't complain about either cruise line but you need to be aware of the pros and cons of both.
My pros for Carnival:
-larger rooms, bathroom and halls
-better food and more options
-headroom in workout area and shower
-seemed to be more seating
-younger crowd and kids if you are one
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