PORT ROYAL

Taxi to the gardens from port takes about 30/35 minutes - Plenty of taxis for return. It all depends on the cruise terminal, there are two. One is almost in the town, you’ll see it from the ship, being a 5/6 minute walk, while the other is about 20/25 minutes walk away along a busy main road. There are taxis available. Fort de France is a working French Port/Town, not a traditional Caribbean island market town. Think Calais, Le Havre etc.. The main shopping area is along and around Rue Victor Hugo with shops and supermarkets.

IMO the best best by far is Anse Chastanet (as indicted) take a cab. Allow 15 minutes extra for the return to ship because of port traffic. Last visit we had a day pass to the Hotel, so worth it. For current prices and availability contact ansechastanet@ansechastanet.com

😀 predictive stands corrected - Thank you

Try lawrenceofantigua@yahoo.com If no luck then Pete’s - petenathaniel@hotmail.com - Barry - vbarryoliver@hotmail.com

Contact Consol Tours, they may have spare capacity to deliver a bespoke private tour. If not then, Mystic Man, Fram and Edmond. Failing that, St Lucia Tourist Board in New York…. 212 867 2950.

Annie’s booking website gives reviews and a basic rum tour itinerary, with actual bars indicated. When on tour, very discreetly ask the tour leader if a full proof Hammond tasting could be arranged, as this is the only rum being 100% distilled on the island. If lucky to try. Take a large “shot”, one hit, with a glass of cold beer to hand, as an immediate chaser. Think one’s first word could be a loud “Wow!”, flowed by a concoction of various phrases with multiple expletives included.

Twice…. First time thought ‘it’s one off bad experience, try again’ - Second ‘never again’ and left minutes after arriving. Both were in peak season, maximum ships and pre COVID. But many like it, being cheerleaders and regulars. Everyone has there own ideas on what is deemed to be a genteel ambiance. Ships, Towels and Herds do not frequent the Marriott.

While thinking again, it appears one is fixated on a Tour Company to deliver a bespoke tour. However, for one’s part, the decision would be to take a private limo or a decent looking taxi from the terminal rank. Both options having the knowledge and contacts to deliver an excellent experience. As a rule of thumb, budget for about €60 per hour, plus €100 for admissions and tips. Then, allow up €1200 for top shelf Rhum from distilleries and/or Duty Free at cruise terminal, as there will be some very tempting gems to purchase. One’s tastebuds will be grateful. If not flying home, consider rolling small a barrel of Rhum onboard.

Have no personal experiences to recommend. However, from onboard conversations, can only remember two being promoted. Anoli Tours and Beyond The beach. Then there is always TripAdvisor or the Martinique Tourist Board.

Personally, one does take the day room for 2. For your party, $256 (4 pax) equates to only $15 pp additional over the $49 pp to change, shower, store and change. However, it’s one’s money and one’s choice. Wishing you a great day at the Marriott

FDF is a working French town (part of France) with a port attached, it has a high street and supermarkets, not a Caribbean Island such as Antigua or Barbados. To assist link to a guide https://martiniquepro.espressoprod.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Martinique-sales-manual-2015.pdf Make contact with one of the recognised tour companies to construct a tour that will suit one. Martinique is a beautiful island and it would be a shame if one missed out. Karambola would be a good tour company to start one’s enquiries, as they will be happy to arrange a bespoke private tour for one.

Never done this. Would have thought there must be at least one outlet. Your taxi driver would know where to go.

Pre COVID Private taxi @ $30.00 e/w - Allow 25 minutes out and 40 minutes return because of heavy port traffic. Shared shuttle minivans @ $10/12 pp e/w

Never heard of one. If visiting Martinique during cane cutting (Rhum) season, then take a private visit to La Favorite for the noise of huge steam driven Goliaths doing there stuff, as they have for over 100 years. If not, for the best sanitised visit then go to Depaz, not so commercial, informative and a beautiful setting. IMHO La Favorite is the better Rhum. The Duty Free at port will have wonderful selections of all Rhum marques at all price points

Pre COVID There was a charge for sun beds and an umbrella. Think it was $20 per set, payable at the beachside kiosk at entry point.

A day room is a usual standard (nice) room with bed, shower, storage etc.. The benefits of a private room to change, shower and securely store are great. There is also a list of benefits and discounts available to day guests TTE did kindly post, in the past, that a room for 3 (or more) people remained the same @ $160. So, this would suggest the possibility of 6 sharing a room for $160. However, best to check with the hotel direct on the occupancy point. Do book very early as day pass availability is limited Questions/Booking/Contact. reservation@stkittsmarriott.com Taxi is $20 e/w. But there are taxi minivans available to take all one’s party and think $30 would be a indication of the rate. Plus tip. wishing you all a great stay.

Has one tried to Telephone or send a message via their Face(hard back reading material) page?

Such a kind thought to post.

Okay, not going to challenge SIL……. Best to leave alone.

Spoke with SIL - Purchased online from Selfridges - checked and showing https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/?freeText=Quercus&srch=Y

https://www.penhaligons.com/uk/en - SIL purchases as a reminder of sailing on the Queens

Pre COVID 2 chairs + 1 umbrella = $20 per set Sadly, lunch was not included in the $20 fee - in addition to the A La Carte there was a daily specials board Best to book one’s stay in advance.

Typically, they are low/mid range, say $60 upwards. Hopefully, one will be able to discover an absolute gem, being at a price one would never dreamed possible. Sommeliers are usually kind and helpful when being asked for the list of Bin Ends. It shows one understands the game.

Additional One tip… All prices displayed at Plywood are in EC$ not US$ As a quick (near as dam-it) mental conversion to US$, divide the EC$ by 2 then take off 25% Grenada is known to occasionally to have a heavy blast of liquid sunshine at the end of the day. Same with some other islands. Suggest packing some of those cheap, disposable plastic ponchos, just in case.

The nearest two of note, with a great ambiance and the feeling of being in Grenada etc., are on Morne Rouge Bay, being La Plywood and Rockey’s. Plus “No T’erds” Check both out on Trip Advisor and make one’s choice. You’ll not regret it…. A small personal gratuity to the wait staff will be unexpected and welcomed. A beautiful island with beautiful people. Have a great day…