CaribbeanBound

We enjoyed Bumpiing so much, we booked them a second time for the exact same tour.

Roseau, Dominica

We prearranged the "Roseau Valley Treasures" tour with Bumpiing Tours (Levi Baron). $49 per person plus tip. We tendered into Roseau. Tendering was very efficient. Levi Baron met us just outside the pier and turned us over to Gary, our awesome driver and guide for the day. Gary kept us one step ahead of most of the tours. We started our day at Wotten Waven Sulphur Springs which entailed a short walk to view small boiling pools. Then it was off to Trafalgar Falls which features two large waterfalls in the same area. There was about a 10 minutes walk through a rainforest to a viewing platform where we took pictures and then proceeded past a "Proceed Only At Your Own Risk" sign and descended down to some hot springs where we relaxed and played in several hot pools. We also got some closer views of the falls. From here we drove to Titou Gorge where part of Pirates Of The Caribbean 2 was filmed. It was an easy 10 minutes walk to the Gorge, where we got into cold mountain water and swam a short distance through a cave to a waterfall. (If you go, don't wimp out. It's worth the chill). We instantly warmed in the sun upon exiting and got toasty in a nearby hot spring. We visited the Botanical Gardens where we learned about see different plants, trees and flowers grown on the Island. A short 5-minute drive to Morne Bruce presented us an overview of the entire city of Roseau, and port, from the top of a hill. We ended the tour snorkeling at Champagne Bay, where we hired an snorkel guide for $10 to show us the fish and underwater sites just offshore. There is no way we would have seen as much without our water guide, T.J. The entire tour lasted about 7 hours. Gary kept us well hydrated with Kubuli Beer (the best local island beer we tasted on this trip) and water. Gary was also quick to stop the van for any pictures we wanted to take and often stopped to pluck a leaf, nut, fruit, branch or root for us to smell and identify as one of the many local spices grown on the island. Recommended! This tour is so spectacular that we booked it again on our second trip to Dominica.

Question: What to do with your camera when swimming?

Answer: You're on a cruise. Get a good water camera and take it with you EVERYWHERE you go. You'll be greatly rewarded with wonderful pictures.

We bought the rugged Olympus Stylus TG-830 for under $200. WOW! that's a great camera for the money. It has lots of picture modes and the panoramic mode just takes your breath away.

More "Secrets of the Caribbean": http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/caribbean-secrets.html

First-hand information on excursions we've taken in over 20 Caribbean ports. With photos!

Titou Gorge where part of Pirates Of The Caribbean 2 was filmed. It was an easy 10 minutes walk to the Gorge, where we got into cold mountain water and swam a short distance through a cave to a waterfall. (If you go, don't wimp out. It's worth the chill). We instantly warmed in the sun upon exiting and got toasty in a nearby hot spring.

Umbrellas is a great bar with awesome food, and it's really inexpensive.

On our second trip we hoped to take it easy on Grand Anse Beach, a non-snorkeling 2-mile crescent stretch of sand not too far from the ship. Most folks take a water taxi to Grand Anse Beach for about $6 per person each way. The water taxi is about 1/2-block to the left of the ship (as you face the island).

We opted to take a local bus ($1 US). The bus depot can also been seen from the ship. Just look for the 2-deck parking garage with a hundred mini-vans another half block from the water taxi dock. It's easy to catch a water taxi or bus in either direction to and from the cruise pier.

If you take the bus, you want the Zone #1 bus to Grand Anse (and back to St. George). It's clearly written on the windshield. The bus holds about 14 passengers and the driver (working with a conductor) will work to keep it as full as possible throughout the trip. You will not save time taking the bus. You take it because you want to get a better flavor of the island and it's residents.

If you arrive by bus, get off at the Spiceland Mall, cross the street and walk 1 block down a driveway where you'll find yourself at a great beach bar and grill called Umbrellas. It's an airy, clean, comfortable restaurant with great food. Don't panic when you read the menu. The prices are in Eastern Caribbean Dollars and $1 USD = $2.70 ECD. We enjoyed their grilled barracuda (two thick nicely grilled mild flaky white filets) with a side of "rocket and potato salad". Rocket is a non-bitter local leafy vegetable. Lunch was awesome. We also ordered a locally bottled ginger ale and a bottle of their local Carib Lager. There was plenty of food for two to share. With tip, the total was $58 ECD (about $22 USD). Upon exiting Umbrellas, you'll find yourself on the less crowded section of the beach (3/4 down the beach from the water taxi dock). When your beach day is done, reserve your steps and take either the bus or water taxi back to the ship.

If you take the water taxi, upon arrival you'll get swamped with offers for chairs and umbrellas (among other things). I suggest you walk away from the dock, past the spice market, and settle in an area away from the heavier crowds. (If you're looking for Umbrella's, walk to your right when you get off the water taxi).

More "Secrets of the Caribbean": http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/caribbean-secrets.html

First-hand information on excursions we've taken in over 20 Caribbean ports. With photos!

If you're a first-timer, I second the recommendation of Mandoo Tours.

St. Georges, Grenada

We arranged for a 4-hour half-day "Spice Plantation Route" tour with Mandoo Tours at $45 per person, plus tips. It ran from 8am to noon plus beach time. The spice plantation route is going to give you a great feel of the island. We visited the Douglaston Spice Depot where we saw a presentation on many of Grenada's spices, and where fresh quality spices were available for purchase. We drove through the lush volcanic mountains to where multiple spice plants, cocoa and bananas plantations were pointed out to us. Great photo shots. We visited Grand Etang Crater Lake where we saw our first Mona monkey. We drove through the rain forest and made a stop at Annandale Waterfall. At the end of the tour we were given time at the beach and then returned to the ship. We had lunch on the ship and then walked to Fort George, very close to the ship. We exited the pier terminal and turned right. There is a stairwell to the right of a tunnel. Just keep climbing until you get to the top. It's about a 15 minute walk up stone stairs and ramps. This might have been an awesome fort at one time. It has fallen into disrepair and is being used for multiple other purposes. Really too bad. However Fort George will give you lots of photo opportunities from its elevated point. Recommended!

If you're here for a beach day...

On our second trip we hoped to take it easy on Grand Anse Beach, a non-snorkeling 2-mile crescent stretch of sand not too far from the ship. Most folks take a water taxi to Grand Anse Beach for about $6 per person each way. The water taxi is about 1/2-block to the left of the ship (as you face the island). We opted to take a local bus ($1 US). The bus depot can also been seen from the ship. Just look for the 2-deck parking garage with a hundred mini-vans another half block from the water taxi dock. It's easy to catch a water taxi or bus in either direction to and from the cruise pier. If you take the bus, you want the Zone #1 bus to Grand Anse (and back to St. George). It's clearly written on the windshield. The bus holds about 14 passengers and the driver (working with a conductor) will work to keep it as full as possible throughout the trip. You will not save time taking the bus. You take it because you want to get a better flavor of the island and it's residents.

If you take the water taxi, upon arrival you'll get swamped with offers for chairs and umbrellas (among other things). I suggest you walk away from the dock, past the spice market, and settle in an area away from the heavier crowds. If you arrive by bus, get off at the Spiceland Mall, cross the street and walk 1 block down a driveway where you'll find yourself at a great beach bar and grill called Umbrellas. It's an airy, clean, comfortable restaurant with great food. Don't panic when you read the menu. The prices are in Eastern Caribbean Dollars and $1 USD = $2.70 ECD. We enjoyed their grilled barracuda (two thick nicely grilled mild flaky white filets) with a side of "rocket and potato salad". Rocket is a non-bitter local leafy vegetable. Lunch was awesome. We also ordered a locally bottled ginger ale and a bottle of their local Carib Lager. There was plenty of food for two to share. With tip, the total was $58 ECD (about $22 USD). Upon exiting Umbrellas, you'll find yourself on the less crowded section of the beach (3/4 down the beach from the water taxi dock). When your beach day is done, reserve your steps and take either the bus or water taxi back to the ship.

The skies were cloudy and it rained most of the day (sometimes torrentially). I estimate that there were no more than two dozen folks from the ship on the beach, and they outnumbered everyone else, except the vendors at the spice market. We had a great adventure despite the lack of an intended sunny beach day.

More "Secrets of the Caribbean": http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/caribbean-secrets.html

First-hand information on excursions we've taken in over 20 Caribbean ports. With photos!

We've toured with him on both of our trips, and I recommend him.

Basse-Terre, St. Kitts

Trip #1: We hired Thenford Grey himself for this "Island Tour". The cost was $40 per person and ran from 8:00am until about 2:00 pm with beach time available at Cockleshell Beach at the end of the tour. Thenford first took us through the historic city of Basseterre which was founded in 1625 by French settlers. After the city highlights we stopped at the ruins of an old sugar cane processing factory and Romney Manor-Caribelle Batik which was once owned by Captain Samuel Jefferson, the great, great, great grandfather of Thomas Jefferson. The Plantation House which sits amidst 25 acres of lush tropical gardens, is now a batik factory and store. The gardens feature a large collection of exotic plants, palms and trees from all over the world. We saw numerous green tailed monkeys in the short drive between the ruin and the Manor. We then spent an hour at Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park which sets atop a volcanic cone that is 800 feet high and offers 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and neighboring islands. Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a World Heritage Site. (The $8.00 entrance fee was included). The Fortress is indeed impressive. I could have easily spent 4 hours exploring this impressive site. A lot of monkeys make their home in the vegetation surrounding the fort. Thenford shared a lot of local history with us as we explored the island. We also saw a live cockfight (two roosters going at each other) in the middle of the street. Our last stop was Cockleshell Beach where we had an opportunity to swim, collect shells, and grab a beer. On the way, we saw wandering goats, cows, and more monkeys. Recommended!

Trip #2: On our second tip we wanted to spend a lot more time at the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park so we arranged with Thenford Grey to be dropped off early and then join his regular tour when they arrived at the fortress prior to continuing on to South Friar's Beach. We spent 3 hours exploring the fort and outlying structures. Hint: bring a flashlight to explore dark passages. Next to the fort is a tall grassy mound called Monkey Hill (aka Fort Charlotte). A worker had recently cut a 6-foot wide access path to the top of the hill which offers nice views. About 75% to the top is a side path that will take you to a recently rediscovered 15x20 foot (my estimate) stone out-building, with openings for 3 cannon, that was hidden under vegetation. It also offered views of the fort and the steep gorge behind it. After we left the fortress, we visited an overlook where you could see the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean on either side of a thin stretch of the island. The bodies of water could not have been separated by more than a quarter-mile. We the got dropped off at South Friar's Beach which offers an active bar and grill with lots of shade and picnic-style seating, restrooms, an outdoor shower, changing rooms, a nice beach with black and beige sands, a protected swim area and some snorkeling opportunities. We saw over a dozen different types of fish along the manmade reef and lots of sea urchins (some close to a foot in diameter).

More "Secrets of the Caribbean": http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/caribbean-secrets.html

First-hand information on excursions we've taken in over 20 Caribbean ports. With photos!

We love forts. Our favorite thing was: Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park

Basse-Terre, St. Kitts

Trip #1: We hired Thenford Grey himself for this "Island Tour". The cost was $40 per person and ran from 8:00am until about 2:00 pm with beach time available at Cockleshell Beach at the end of the tour. Thenford first took us through the historic city of Basseterre which was founded in 1625 by French settlers. After the city highlights we stopped at the ruins of an old sugar cane processing factory and Romney Manor-Caribelle Batik which was once owned by Captain Samuel Jefferson, the great, great, great grandfather of Thomas Jefferson. The Plantation House which sits amidst 25 acres of lush tropical gardens, is now a batik factory and store. The gardens feature a large collection of exotic plants, palms and trees from all over the world. We saw numerous green tailed monkeys in the short drive between the ruin and the Manor. We then spent an hour at Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park which sets atop a volcanic cone that is 800 feet high and offers 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and neighboring islands. Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a World Heritage Site. (The $8.00 entrance fee was included). The Fortress is indeed impressive. I could have easily spent 4 hours exploring this impressive site. A lot of monkeys make their home in the vegetation surrounding the fort. Thenford shared a lot of local history with us as we explored the island. We also saw a live cockfight (two roosters going at each other) in the middle of the street. Our last stop was Cockleshell Beach where we had an opportunity to swim, collect shells, and grab a beer. On the way, we saw wandering goats, cows, and more monkeys. Recommended!

Brimstone Hill Fortress

Trip #2: On our second tip we wanted to spend a lot more time at the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park so we arranged with Thenford Grey to be dropped off early and then join his regular tour when they arrived at the fortress prior to continuing on to South Friar's Beach. We spent 3 hours exploring the fort and outlying structures. Hint: bring a flashlight to explore dark passages. Next to the fort is a tall grassy mound called Monkey Hill (aka Fort Charlotte). A worker had recently cut a 6-foot wide access path to the top of the hill which offers nice views. About 75% to the top is a side path that will take you to a recently rediscovered 15x20 foot (my estimate) stone out-building, with openings for 3 cannon, that was hidden under vegetation. It also offered views of the fort and the steep gorge behind it. After we left the fortress, we visited an overlook where you could see the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean on either side of a thin stretch of the island. The bodies of water could not have been separated by more than a quarter-mile. We the got dropped off at South Friar's Beach which offers an active bar and grill with lots of shade and picnic-style seating, restrooms, an outdoor shower, changing rooms, a nice beach with black and beige sands, a protected swim area and some snorkeling opportunities. We saw over a dozen different types of fish along the manmade reef and lots of sea urchins (some close to a foot in diameter).

More "Secrets of the Caribbean": http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/caribbean-secrets.html

First-hand information on excursions we've taken in over 20 Caribbean ports. With photos!

We've been to these ports twice, so did slightly different things both times.

Here are our VERY DETAILED reviews of the excursions we experienced, with pictures...

Detailed information on the Celebrity Constellation and the ports of Boston, Portland, Halifax, Quebec City, Charlottetown, Sydney, and Saint John:

http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/constellation.html

Carnival Glory and the ports of Boston, St. John and Halifax:

http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/carnival-glory.html

Feel free to email me any questions. I'll be happy to answer.

We've done the beach walk suggested by SailBadtheSinner back in 2005. These notes are from that trip...

Today (day 2) was our day to explore the South Shore beaches and collect some pink sand. [Pink sand is created when pounding waves erode the bright red skeletons of protozoan foraminifers and the remains mix with other ocean debris, such as coral, white clam and sea urchins. Eventually, the mixture becomes the rose-colored sand].

For all South shore beaches, grab a route 7 bus. We decided to start at Church Bay at the far Western end of the South shore beaches. It’s about a 20-minute ride. It reportedly had the some of the best snorkeling on the island. I’m afraid it looked too rough for snorkeling the day we were there.

We jumped back on the bus and exited at Horseshoe Bay. At 9:00 am this Bay is deserted. Very pretty beach. This is where we started our walk to Atswood Bay, about 1.5 miles East. This is a very pretty walk. You will pass a number of beaches: Chaplin Bay, Stonehole Bay, Jobson Cove, and Warwick Long Bay amongst other smaller coves which can be yours alone.

We were told that Horseshoe Bay’s beach looks like Coney Island (sand covered entirely with beach towels) by 11:00 am. So if you go, get there early or walk to the East until you find your own secluded spot. If you duplicate our walk, just follow the horse trail to Warrick Long Bay and you’ll be fine. From Warrick Long Bay, it’s about a 1/3-mile to Atswood Park and Bay via the roadside.

Our complete review of Bermuda: http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/bermuda.html

I enjoy taking foodie pictures. However, it won't bother me if a restaurant prohibited it. Just post the warning conspicuously, and like The Dude, I'll abide.

Lots to do.

If you don't wish to go far, check out:

http://www.gohawaii.com/big-island/plan-a-trip/activities/things-to-do-in-kona?membersPageNumber=1

Willing to travel a little? Check out:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60872-Activities-Kailua_Kona_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html

Thank you for this information. Can you also tell me about your day in Cartagena? How did it go? Given what you know now, what would you do differently, if anything.

PartyAllDaTyme and wallie5446 both offer good suggestions.

We've been to all of your ports and I congratulate you on your thinking. We too are always looking for the reasonably priced "not to be missed" tour at each port.

I've detailed our first-hand information on excursions we've taken in over 20 Caribbean ports including St Thomas, Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, and St Martin... complete with photos: http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/caribbean-secrets.html

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Yes, the lack of a search does significantly impair the usefulness of this site.

There is a sticky at the top of the celebrity threads that gives all the details: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/announcement.php?f=28&a=363

On Summit in AQ late last year and were offered 50% first night. We didn't take them up on it. Instead, I went to Normandie on a night that we didn't like the looks of the AQ menu and asked if they would be willing to extend the 50% that night for an early 6pm seating. Since they were not booked, they accepted, and we enjoyed a GREAT meal.

We were on the Summit late last year. Here our VERY detailed review on the ship, entertainment, and ports: http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/summit.html

All are good options depending upon what's important to you.

We did Aqua class for the first time last year. Our AQ room was nice and we loved the veranda. For $100 I would indeed do it again. For $500? No.

We did enjoy Blu and thought it was a cut above the normal MDR experience.

We also enjoyed Persian Gardens and used the various steam rooms 3 or 4 times, but wouldn't pay more than $10/day for them.

CruiseLife...

Great observation. The key to "Hawaii Revealed" is in it's historical detail that puts what you're seeing and experiencing into prospective.

I agree that "Hawaii by Cruise Ship" would make a good companion book for anyone visiting the islands via cruise ship. Amazon is taking preorders on the latest 2014 edition of "Hawaii by Cruise Ship" and beginning to discount the 2011 edition.

Yes, you will have time for a private excursion. They are well aware of the ship tender situation. They also won't likely stay in business if they miss the ship. Be sure to go with a tour company that gets good reviews on Cruise Critic.

That said, in 30 years of cruise travel we have only twice booked excursions through the ship. One of those was in Belize, to Lamanai. and it was a good thing we did because we were an hour late getting back and there were about 90 of us that they held the ship for.

If your tour is expected back with 2 to 3 hours to spare then I wouldn't worry about it too much. Otherwise book with the ship in Belize for the long-haul trips.

Kauai: Renting a car in Kauai does give you a great opportunity to see a lot of beautiful places, but lets be clear, it's an EASY 15 minute walk to Kalapaki Beach from the ship. I was just there last month.

We stayed at the Marriott Kauai Beach Club. It's right near to the pier. We watched cruise ships come and go from our lanai.

When you're docked, look inland to your right. You'll see the Marriott Kauai Beach Club. They have a gorgeous beach (Kalapaki Beach). All beaches are public in Hawaii. You can rent some ocean sports gear there. Chairs and umbrella's are also available for rent. You can also whale watch from the hotel, and probably the back of the ship too. We saw lots of whale activity in Nawiliwili Bay.

Directly to the left of the resort is a lot of restaurants in two small strip malls on both sides of the street. There are also a few shops in each. Both strip malls are about a 3 to 4 block walk from the ship. A very easy walk.

The strip mall to your right as you're walking up the road is Anchor Cove and it has an ABC Store, a Crazy Shirts store, Tropic Isle Music Company, a jewelry store, JJ's Broiler (Sports Bar), and another restaurant (with a bar/coffee house that serves a good breakfast by day and sushi at night), and a few other stores.

The strip mall another block up on your left is Harbor Mall which is mostly bars and restaurants but does have at least one fun shop to browse. Harbor Mall also offers a free trolley shuttle for cruise ship passengers. The restaurants and bars include: The Feral Pig, Fil-Mart (Filipino food), Gingbua: (Thai food), Halo Halo Corner (Hawaiian Shave Ice), Kalapaki Joes (Sports Bar), Mariachi's (Mexican), Put It In A Pita (Greek food truck beside the Nawiliwili Stream next to the mall), Rocco's Pizza, Splash Café (Crepes and sandwiches). Shops include Beachrail Hobby & Collectibles (cool store, worth the browse), Elite Hunters Hunting Shop, Kauai Island Treasures, and a few others.

If you want to share a rental car or taxi, there are 4 small shopping centers and malls not too far away: Lihue Shopping Center, Rice Shopping Center, Kukui Grove Shopping Center (with a separate Costco and K-Mart nearby), and the Kuhio Mall Shopping Center. There is also a Wal-Mart a little further inland from the Lihue Shopping Center. You'll not want to attempt to walk to any of these, but they're all less than 10-15 minutes by car.

Suggestion: There's 5 miles of contiguous beach at 7-mile beach. Start at Cemetery Beach and if you don't like what you see keep walking South towards the ship until you do. It's exactly what we plan to do after we visit Hell and maybe the turtle park.

Yes, it's VERY annoying. The Search is an integral feature. It's been having intermittent problems for some time now.

Eco Tours is also a good option. They, in fact, run this tour for Island Marketing as well as run their own tour.

I had forgotten about the parade of canoes. Yes, that is good fun and worthwhile.

Yes, Bishop House & Museum is well worth the visit. It's a quick bus or drive from downtown as it's between town and the airport (by way of H1). Too far to walk.

Bump