PORT ROYAL

Clothing optional? It’s found in the South of Orient…. The more North one goes, the option disappears. Orient is child friendly and way in the North of Orient. Trust this assists

First unable to guarantee “no kids”, as they have a kids menu, and do consider accompanied young ones to be the next generation of visitors. Yes, it’s a great step up from even the better offerings on Orient. Genteel - Yes Discreet but attentive beach attendants - Yes Excellent Food & Drinks - Yes (Have an expansive Rhum/Rum Cabinet at all price points) Comfortable Beds - Yes Ambience is an upmarket, discreet, private French beach club, shabby chic, if that makes sense. One usually books in advance (more of a nod to old school protocols than anything else), but same day walk-ins are welcomed, never heard of any visitor being turned away. Enjoy….

If wished, one can take one’s “State Flag”, which will displayed at Sunshine’s. It’s just a genteel statement of one’s visit.

Personally yes, many times, and going with them in March 25 on the QM, Bluewater will take one to the beach bar called Lime, with chairs and shade, sometimes a free rum punch. But, just short walk down the beach is “Sunshine’s”. Sit at the bar, sip a few “Killer Bees”, with beer chasers. Bees is a deceptive rum punch, thinking this is very easy drinking, let’s have another one, repeat and repeat. Then after a few Killers, one opens one’s eyes and say to oneself “Why am I sitting in the back of a Police Van?” Insider tip…Take Bees with no ice as it equals more Bee Sunshine’s food is good and reasonably priced. Also free WiFi. Sunshine has a bottles of this famous brew for a takeaway, so one will heavily stock up for onboard stateroom balcony consumption with friends.

Cruise friends looked in earlier this year (did not stay), and reported back that it’s still S.H.T. Central. Take a day pass at the Marriott. Or Take a beach trip to Nevis… No S.H.T. https://bluewatersafaris.com/tour/nevis-beach-getaway/

Yes, it’s fun. But not a much fun as one would hope, or expected. Therefore, there could be a slight disappointment, called buyer’s remorse. For a truly great, and a must do again experience, spend a few more dollars and consider. Elegance https://www.elegancebarbados.com Or Silver Moon. https://silvermoonbarbados.com Or Calypso https://calypsocruisesbarbados.com/ Note to self.. Check the Cat operator’s start times with one’s ship’s docking time…..

Also consider dining at Marmalade, taking the wine pairing Menu.. Do book early

Don’t forget to attend the Manager’s complimentary wine/cheese reception, between 5 & 6 pm, so very civilised. Plus a great opportunity to meet like minded guests. Who knows? Maybe new friends..

The rum is basically Moonshine infused with various herbs (?) grown on the island. Certain infusions can have the effect of numbing one’s lips and mouth. With other infusions giving the feeling that one’s eyes are trying to escape via the back of one’s head. Then, when back to the Port, if spirits can be brought onboard for immediate consumption only (banned from flying with because of the alcoholic strength) Go Rum Native, carry an empty resealable bottle (or drink holder) outside the port. Follow the main exit road until one sights a KFC on the corner of a road junction looking straight ahead. Look directly next door to the right of KFC and one will see a shop what looks like something very ordinary. Enter, this was Barb’s Wholesale, one will see a small row of Rum Casks (with taps). Ask about each cask age etc, make decision. Hand over the empty vessel for a filling of “Cask Strength Rum” direct from the Distillery. Pay a very small amount. Yes, cask full strength…. It’ll cure almost everything. This is one of the places where locals buy their Rum, not in pre packed bottles, being watered down to 40%. Be bold, be brave, be Barb’s

Cash is King……. They take happily take USD… If brave, discreetly ask one’s driver to stop at a “known” rum shack, to try Bush Rum, with various “herbal” infusions from the Island.

The strange thing was, the attendance of his small, but vociferous, and very encouraging entourage. They also fell silent, all departing together. One wonders why. Could there be a moral to this tale?

Try this company, if anybody can collect a bulk order and deliver to one’s ship, they can https://www.whiskysxm.com/contact-3 - To ask all questions They do ship, but unable to ship to USA as against US Law. No idea if against the law in Canada, if that’s what one is thinking

Yes, COCO is on the French side. With 6 Ships in port, we left giving 1 hour back to the ship, arrived comfortably inside the hour. But if wishing extra peace of mind, then allow 75 minutes. Don’t forget ships have organised trips the Orient. However, one should do what one feels comfortable with, otherwise the COCO stay will have a slight angst, thereby not fully enjoying the experience. Fully understand.

Found this on the official Guavaberry website, confirming outlets https://guavaberry.com/app/user/uploads/gb_uploads/GB-US-April2018.pdf

Best to compare prices before booking. https://bluewatersafaris.com/tour/nevis-beach-getaway/

One’s experience. Many years ago, on arrival at the entrance, an extreme casual was arguing with the MD. In supporting the MD, one received abuse, with the offer to “settle this man to man NOW” One asked when/where, and the gymnasium was immediately suggested. Off we went, on arrival one presented an IPhone, and showed the miscreant one competing in Shotokan. Silence… he left.. Never to be seen again.

The best snorkelling is where the ship tours go… Opposite the Lone Star Restaurant. There is an excellent local restaurant/grill and bar next door.. JuJu where you can rent beds and umbrella (about $30 per set), also a bathroom. There are no jet skis or other motorised toys. A cab will be about $40 each way plus tip…. Turtles are definitely hit/miss as they swim up/down the coast and out to sea, at their whim, and not understand they had to be where one is.

1. No 2. No - Because not many actually know about it - Most go to the Taxi Rank or HO-HO 3. Seated and standing about 60

Contact Beautiful Barbados, they could deliver - https://www.beautifulbarbadostoursandexcursions.com

Try… Executive.Correspondence@carnivalukgroup.com (this one definitely works)

Good advice for Medical Form… Also try an Email to restaurant.seating@carnivalukgroup.com They will assist by sending your email onto one’s ship and the Restaurant MD. Sometimes the MD will respond directly in person to one. Good luck

Additional… Sewing Kit? Go to the Purser’s Desk and ask. They have a supply of Cunard’s sewing kits. Small, but very usable.

Slightly off piste…. If one requires the use of a tailor, for whatever reason, just ask one’s room steward, as there are experienced tailors onboard serving as crew. A few dollars for an alteration etc., undertaken by a professional tailor.

An idea…. Purchase a set of reasonably priced scales to keep in one’s stateroom. Then at end of Voyage, if having no wish to retain, donate to one’s steward. They will then sell or barter onboard.

A big vote and recommendation for COCO…. https://www.cocobeach.restaurant