PORT ROYAL

Consider the Chocolate Museum, plenty of hands-on experiences and fun (eating also) things to do. Little one could make a chocolate bar as a gift for their parents.

Away from S.H.T., book one’s genteel day and lunch at Catherine’s Café.

Try a left/right search …….. https://maps.app.goo.gl/fSTB2RFwvkQwHP986?g_st=im

In OSJ then one’s favourite is The Mezzanine who have a “Happy four hours” from 4pm. Take a few cocktails there, then head for Marmalade for Dinner. Must book very early and take the wine pairing Menu. One’s cruise line can confirm the actual berth position.

If only for one night, then consider a Guest House, such as Navona (other GH are available) Simple, clean and in OSJ

Kemplinski used to offer a day pass, not sure now. Give them a call 1 800 426 3135

Add one’s personal preference of Cap Maison to the dossier.

Okay, if one is seeking an AI day out, paying North of $100 pp, then consider a special day sailing on Elegance https://www.elegancebarbados.com Or Silver Moon. https://silvermoonbarbados.com Note the maximum number of pax per Cat. allowed and what’s included. Note to self “Book very early”. One considers these far batter value than a Hotel AI

Went once, with a couple met in a cruise who sung its praises, who invited us to join them. Never again! Not genteel. But many cruisers visit, so it must have an attraction for them.

The only company one could think of is….. https://www.visiotoursmartinique.com/?lang=en But it’s not a “BUS” but a small open top coach.

Web sellers get the “Junk Rooms”, without any possibility of a paid upgrade on checking in. Go direct to the hotel, by message, e-mail, but even better by telephone, this to discuss all options and any free add ons. Sooner the better. It’s good to talk and shows true interest. Good luck…. One is leaving a Saturday stay (weddings etc) in a good hotel a tad late.

All questions can be answered…….. https://www.visitantiguabarbuda.com/contact-us/

Apologies, omitted taxi fares. This is where it gets complicated, because taxis are licensed to carry three passengers only. So, 4 people together will have to take a minibus to R, because two off taxis will be about $80 per cab each way. Think a minibus will set you back about $100 each way. BJ is just a local run for a taxi, at about $ 10/15 per cab plus tip. So two cabs for 4 people will be reasonable.

Okay, let’s keep it simple, as finite details can be found on the web and critiques can be subjective. If one had a choice between only these two, then it would be BJ, in an instant. Not that Rendezvous I’d bad or worse, It’s just Rendezvous has too much of the “seen it before”, been there done that many time before. But BJ offers more of the warm feeling one is actually in St Lucia. Also, the BJ food is different in a more St Lucian way, with Rendezvous being more towards the American tastes. Also, a previous poster mentioned, buffet manners of some day passers in R are to be questioned. Both have great pools, but R’s beach is on one of the most popular and busy beaches. Experience? One should not miss spending time and talking with St Lucian people, in addition enjoying the sights, sounds and their hospitality. It’s then one will understand the magic of this beautiful island. PS. Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum should not be missed. Although reasonably priced, it’s actually very good. Whatever, one chooses, enjoy the island and it’s people.

Low budget stays… Simple, clean and check out their webs for positions etc https://www.monasterystays.com/?d=Italy/Lazio/Rome-accommodation https://stpatricksamericanrome.org/convent-accomodations-in-rome/ Or Four to consider at various price points - All will give a great stay and are in excellent locations Albergo del Senato Albergo Santa Chiara Hotel Navona, Hotel Singer Palace

It’s probably the “Seaweed” bunch, who visit out of season (storms), being surprised to find seaweed on a beach and the sea slightly rough on the Atlantic side of an island. But, even out of season, it’s still a good call for the facilities and no T’erds. If having negative thoughts, then consider a snorkel sail with beach lunch to Nevis. But, be prepared for maximum pax on the Cat. Could be between 30 and 60. Or, take a beach break to Nevis with Blue Water https://bluewatersafaris.com/tour/nevis-beach-getaway/ Probably 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 “Sunshires”. Sit at the bar, sip a few “Killer Bees”. Which is 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 in the back of a Police Van?” Sunshine has a bottles of this famous brew for a takeaway. Also, T’erd free…

Last time sailed the formal dress code for many pax dining in the main restaurant, it was the peak of the baseball cap pointing forward. Casual? Then the peak was to pointing to the rear. We were so out of place, with one wearing a Tux and DW in a Gown. Understand the dress code is now even more relaxed, with the dress code being only “suggested”.

Spice Mill is just a small part of Cockleshell Beach, one of most popular and busy (T’erds) on the island. Consider a day pass at the Marriott, more genteel and T’erd free.

Sorry, my bad…. Was Shipwreck Beach

It used to be Reduit Beach….. Busy, Busy, Busy. No knowledge of the current destination. But C will know.

If no success with Tourism Board, then consider a Plan B with a private charter with Elegance or Silver Moon.

Barbados Tourism Board in Bridgetown could help. Better if one had the name of the Cat. https://www.visitbarbados.org

All taxi drivers must be registered with the Antigua National Taxi Association. A call, or missive, to them may give the required “name” contact details.

Best to ask Cunard to quote on all seat grades and transfers, then look to price airlines direct. For peace of mind fly out the day before with a overnight hotel.

Antigua - https://adventureantigua.com/activities/the-xtreme-circumnav/ - Book Early St Lucia - Good call Martinique - Or All Inclusive …. https://www.clubmed.co.uk/r/les-boucaniers/y Don’t forget to purchase La Favorite La Filbuste Rhum from Duty Free St Kitts - Good Call