Southern Caribbean 2014. . . Let's Start the Planning!

[JOANNEL]

We did all DCL excursions.

St Lucia- Segway- was a lot of fun and beautiful sights.

Antigua-Antigua by sea- great excursion. Beach was pretty, lunch was good. snorkeling was ok- have seen more fish and clearer water in other places. Very nice ride around the island, got a little choppy for about 15 minutes.

St Kitt's- ziplinning- great trip.

Grenada- Rum & Beach- beach was pretty and distillery was interesting. But would I do it again????

Barbados- we just walked around. Beautiful beach in about a ten minute walk.

 

[Pixie Naseweis]

We did all DCL excursions.

St Lucia- Segway- was a lot of fun and beautiful sights.

Antigua-Antigua by sea- great excursion. Beach was pretty, lunch was good. snorkeling was ok- have seen more fish and clearer water in other places. Very nice ride around the island, got a little choppy for about 15 minutes.

St Kitt's- ziplinning- great trip.

Grenada- Rum & Beach- beach was pretty and distillery was interesting. But would I do it again????

Barbados- we just walked around. Beautiful beach in about a ten minute walk.

We have also booked the Segway tour - good to hear that you liked it. Do you remember the name of the beach in Barbados?

 

[AndyR]

We're on the Segway too.

 

[Pixie Naseweis]

We're on the Segway too.

Good to know, I will watch out for you and try to drive really careful - do not want to jeopardize my FE gift!

 

[NWmom]

I have a docking question.

Do we tender at any of the ports?

 

[CowboyPrincess]

I have a docking question. Do we tender at any of the ports?

None of the ports were a tender.

 

[holula]

Can anyone tell me if the ship sailed past the Pitons coming into or leaving the port of St. Lucia?

We did sail past it but it was fairly dark when we did. The sky was cloudy when we left St Lucia which didn't help with the light either.

 

[disneydork3]

We have an 11am port arrival time. If we get there at 11, will we just sit around and board the ship at 1pm? Trying to see if we want to explore and get there later or if we will be able to board when we get there. TIA

 

[poohj80]

Would love to know which Princesses are included in the Princess Gathering.

 

[eandesmom]

Antigua - Sail and Snorkel (DCL)

Cat snorkeling tour that left right from the port area, minimal walking to the boat. Decent tour with commentary as we headed to the snorkeling area. Snorkeling was offered out in deeper water, weather was a bit cloudy and windy so as a result water was cloudy and strong current. As the guide said, we needed to start at the far back of the boat and work our way around, not going in front of the boat or the next stop would have been Venezuela! They did require a flotation ring which at first annoyed us but with that current, it was a good thing. Snorkeling was ok, I've had better and worse but it was still nice and I'd imagine a clear day with less current/waves would have been better. After the snorkeling we were taken to a lovely cove to snorkel, swim, walk or sunbathe. It rained off an on lightly but it was still lovely with some neat sights to see. Open bar on the boat after snorkeling, skip the rum punch (we are not convinced it had any rum in it) as it is a full bar and they will make a rum and coke or whatever you'd like. Finger sandwiches were as advertised, little triangles with either cheese spread or tuna like something. The food was not a highlight for sure but was as advertised! $54 each.

Side note, we had a later excursion (11:45 I think) and went in to town for a bit before. Port area was a classic large tourist trap. Once past it, it was pretty nasty. We walked around, saw an old church, a few other things but I wouldn't bother. I imagine there are nicer towns elsewhere on the island, we found in many cases the port area not to be the main area but it did color our day a bit. Economically it seemed to be in the worst shape of all the islands we visited but again, that could have been just near the port versus elsewhere.

Grenada - Rum and Beach (DCL)

Rum distillery tour and beach. The tour itself was interesting and informative and the distillery employees had a ton of pride for their product. Older factory of course but very clean, definitely worn. Rum tasting. Which was odd for me as I don't know that I've ever had "straight" rum before.

Lovely lovely private beach for 2 hours following the tour with 2 drink tickets. Drink options were limited to beer or rum punch. I didn't want punch and the bartender was lovely about making me a rum with passionfruit juice instead (when no one else was looking lol). We loved the quietness of this beach and the water was gorgeous.

Highlight of the tour was the actual tour guide on the bus, so informative throughout the entire day and we really saw quite a lot of the island as we drove to the distillery and beach. $42 each.

I could have passed on the rum tour and just done the beach the whole time but add in our guide and we really enjoyed this one.

St. Lucia - Heavenward Bound / Gros Piton Climb (Stephen Ambrose Tours)
We were picked up by boat at the port along with 2 other groups who were doing his Land Sea and Beach Adventure tour. We were dropped at the base of Gros Piton and met by a guide. We then "hiked" a little over 2 miles to the top of Gros Piton, and back down. I say "hiked" as it was really scrambling over rocks and roots most of the time. It is very steep, almost 2600 foot elevation gain from sea and done in a little over 2 miles to the top. They say the first part of the trail is moderate and easily accessible by most. Perhaps the village trail is but from the beach itself it is steep from the start though there are less stairs and boulders for the first 1/4 - 1/2 mile. We are fairly fit, hike a lot in the Pacific Northwest and are used to challenging trails. this may have been one of the most intense things we have done.

It was INCREDIBLE! Physically and mentally challenging but we loved it. We were picked back up on the beach by Spencer and taken to meet the rest of the group at Jalousie beach. which in addition to being a gorgeous beach, has a marine preserve area for snorkeling. The clearest, deepest bluest water I have ever seen and absolutely still. We jumped off the boat and swam to the beach. We were fairly far out when the boat was stopped to jump in so it was a decent swim after a rather intense workout but oh, it was heavenly!

Lunch was packed for us and given to us on the boat, the other tour was able to eat on the beach. Really really good food, all island style, so delicious. On the boat we were offered drinks, non alchoholic, rum punch and Piton beer while we had an island coastal tour by boat on the way back narrated by Stephen's daughter that included all kinds of wonderful sights, towns, land formations etc. I cannot say enough good things about this day and this tour operator. We would go back to St. Lucia in a heartbeat and book one of his other tours.

As for the one we did, it is not for the faint of heart or anyone with bad knees but for the adventuresome, a once in a lifetime thing to do and we are so happy we did it. $125 each

Barbados - Barbados Beach Escape (DCL)
This was a short bus ride to a beach club, included a (small) welcome drink of either rum punch or a small bottle of Banks beer (smaller than a normal bottle). 2 chairs and an umbrella. Beach was gorgeous and very very bright! It was also fairly crowded with lots of activity, not too much mind you but definitely a party atmosphere. Lovely beach and swimming, free wifi at the beach club if you wanted it. We enjoyed this quite a bit other than the constant asking if we wanted a boat excursion to swim with the turtles while at the beach or the constant ask if we needed a cab when we headed into the club to use the restroom or download emails quickly.

Only major downside to this was communication by the tour operator. One tour person told us to meet in the bar at 2;30. Which seemed way too early. Tour was supposed to go until 3:15. We packed up a bit after 2:30 and got to the bar, no one to be found. Wandered around outside etc and got hassled by cab driver after cab driver. Around 3 the bus showed up as did many others on our tour. So we lost a good 15+ minutes of beach time which was a bummer. Then when on the bus some ship mates took a couple of seats that had been clearly saved by other people earlier and tossed their hats to the front of the bus, taking their seats. Really embarrassing to watch people act like that and supremely awkward when the folks who had saved seats tried to get on the bus. $29 each. For the price it was ok especially as it gave us some quick free wi fi and I needed to check on my kids. But really it would have been super easy to take a cab from the pier or if you wanted a longer walk (maybe 30 min tops depending on speed) it was doable that way. It was a very hot day though so it was nice knowing we had transportation and didn't have to worry about it.

Side note. We went in to town on our own earlier in the day, took a cab to downtown, walked around a little, found an adorable little bar (Screw Dock, which has a museum as well) at the marina where we had a Banks beer and some free wifi (kid drama at home lol). Bustling downtown, very clean and nice.


St Kitts - No excursion
As this was only a half day our options were limited and none sounded all that great. We walked into town, putzed around a bit. It's a cute little town with a nice square and some pretty churches, very clean. Appeared to be some kind of independence festival, they were setting up food trucks galore and a stage. The port shopping area itself was huge but we stuck to the Circus where we found a cute upper floor restaurant to look out and see the activity, have a drink and some free (incredibly slow) wifi to check on the kids. Seriously yummy frozen cappuccino laced with rum. The restaurant we went too was closing in 2 days for a remodel. We were bummed we weren't hungry (had Palo brunch prior to coming into town) as the menu looked great.

We would go back to St. Lucia, Grenada and Barbados but probably not the other 2. Antigua was our least favorite.

 

[andrews_dad]

OCt 4th departure. I've not yet booked a hotel for the post cruise days. Anyone have a rec for a nice hotlel for kids (ages 4 and 6) that would be a easy cab ride from the port? Some sort of water slide, swing set, kid's activities likes arts and crafts, etc. would be ideal. Plus beach access....

 

[andrews_dad]

Are we allowed to bring on our own cases of bottled water? Flying SW so bags are free...

 

[jedijill]

Are we allowed to bring on our own cases of bottled water? Flying SW so bags are free...

Yes, it must be in your carry on. I just picked up a case at CVS in San Juan and carried on. I wouldn't check it on the airplane. There is water available to purchase at the duty free shop at the port as well.

Jill in CO

 

[poohj80]

OCt 4th departure. I've not yet booked a hotel for the post cruise days. Anyone have a rec for a nice hotlel for kids (ages 4 and 6) that would be a easy cab ride from the port? Some sort of water slide, swing set, kid's activities likes arts and crafts, etc. would be ideal. Plus beach access....

We're staying at Condado Plaza Hilton specifically for the waterslide.

 

[littleaussie]

Here's the 2 cruise gifts we received last week. Not sure if all 4 sailings will get them but here they are:

We had our servers sign the print. Would have asked Captain John to sign also but never made it to any of his autograph sessions.

 

[andrews_dad]

Yes, it must be in your carry on. I just picked up a case at CVS in San Juan and carried on. I wouldn't check it on the airplane. There is water available to purchase at the duty free shop at the port as well.

Jill in CO

Carry on a case of water?? Holy smokes! That's a back breaker!!!

 

[jmb910]

Here's the 2 cruise gifts we received last week. Not sure if all 4 sailings will get them but here they are:

We had our servers sign the print. Would have asked Captain John to sign also but never made it to any of his autograph sessions.

How cool, I want those! I hope we get them! But maybe not since the second one says First Cruise From San Juan and we are on the last?

 

[littleaussie]

Love seeing the opinions so far, keep them coming!

Antigua - Coconut Beach Resort Day Pass

We decided last minute to go to Coconut Beach Resort and do a day pass for the 4 of us (2 adults, 2 kids - 9 & 12). The resort doesn't allow children under 12 but they allowed us as day guests. Cost of $50 per person and includes towels, use of pool and beach and chairs and buffet lunch and all drinks you can handle!.

Taxi was $16 for 4 people each way. Taxis were plentiful at the port and the driver said he would come back at 2:30 (our chosen time) to get us again.

We loved it! Private beach so no vendors. Clientele at the resort was all couples (older and some younger) but our kids don't need to play with other kids. Pool was gorgeous. Lunch was great. I may have overindulged in the drinks but it was fun. We walked all the way to the end of the beach to the rocky area and saw crabs. Probably not a spot for people who need action but we like low-key and NO VENDORS.

St. Lucia - Joy Cruises
Originally we booked Son of Man Sea Tours but I suspect we were kidnapped by Joy Cruises. We did a Sea Tour. $110 Adult/$80 kids included all admission, drinks, lunch, snorkeling gear. Took a boat around the island to Soufrieres and then a van picked us up and we went to the Volcano/Sulpher Springs, Mud Baths, Waterfall and a pretty outlook.

Van brought us back and we got in the boat again to go to a deserted beach for their lunch they made. Very good, native foods as well as familiar ones.

Then back to the Pitons beach for snorkeling in between. Most of the beach is owned by a resort but the snorkeling trail is off to one side and is public.

Our boat picked us up again and we toured several celebrity homes and a harbor and rocky formation on the way back to the ship.

We loved it Will be back to St. Lucia as we liked what we saw of the island.

Grenada - Stan with JnJ Tours
Booked the 4 of us and 6 others from our roll call with Stan for a spice tour. $50 per adult/$25 for children includes admission, drinks. Stan showed us various spots around the island, we went to the Waterfall, Grand Etang (hike to the outlook!!!), a spice shop, the Fort and then he took some of us to the beach. It was a good way to see the island. I didn't like Grand Anse beach, too many vendors and beggers.

Barbados - SilverMoon Catamaran
Originally booked Calabaza but messed up on our dates and she was full when I realized the error. She booked me with Silver Moon. $110 adults/$90 children. Includes lunch and all the drinks you can handle. 12 person Catamaran. This was paradise, simply put. Plenty of space on the Cat to move around. 2 crew members at our beck and call plus the Captain. They picked us up and returned us to the ship.

We cruised around for a while and then went to the Turtle area. Crew got in the water with us and fed the sea turtle and helped the younger people. What fun! Then we went to another spot to snorkel at the shipwreck. Crew helped people again in the water.

Then anchored off a beach for a delicious lunch and swimming. We went on the beach and saw a baby sea turtle hatched and making it's way to the shore!

More drinks and cruising around before we had to sadly return to the harbor.

St. Kitts - Zip Lining with DCL
Only DCL excursion booked. $89 adults/$59 children. 4 zip lines. Great beginners line but not as nice as New Zealand, lol. It was adequate but my family was sick of island tours by this time so I didn't book another one.

 

[KayleyCat]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me the size of the litho for matting purposes?

Thanks!
Laurie

 

[jedijill]

Carry on a case of water?? Holy smokes! That's a back breaker!!!

I just put it in my wheeled carry on bag.

Jill in CO