Which port is best for walking around?

[dcward89]

We are doing a Southern caribbean itinerary in January. We will be visiting Tortola, Dominica, St. Kitts, St. Maarten & Barbados. We usually like a mix of ship excursions and just walking around the port doing a little shopping. For those of you who have been there, which port is best for "just walking around"?

[checkard]

St. Maartan has great shopping.

[39august]

St. Martin is a great port to just walk around. You'll have the boardwalk along the beach and Front St. for shopping or just looking. The courthouse is also on Front St.

[cruisin4kicks]

Only Caribbean port we've been to in OP's list is St Maarten. Been there a number of times and love to walk around the port area and visit the shops there. Of the Caribbean ports we've visited, St Maarten is our favorite.

 

Tim

[BluEyed445]

We are doing a Southern caribbean itinerary in January. We will be visiting Tortola, Dominica, St. Kitts, St. Maarten & Barbados. We usually like a mix of ship excursions and just walking around the port doing a little shopping. For those of you who have been there, which port is best for "just walking around"?

 

Without having been to other ports, I believe St. Maarten has the best shopping. We just walked around there and shopped....I believe its right off the ship.

 

Have fun!

[Ocean Boy]

Hand down St. Maarten is the best port for just walking around. There are plenty of shops, nice beach front, and a very friendly place.

[yogimax]

o.k., St. Maarten is good.

 

What about the others?

[dcward89]

I'm glad to hear the responses about St. Maarten. We have parasailing booked for the morning and then we'll have the rest of the day to mess around and shop for souvenirs!

[bouhunter]

o.k., St. Maarten is good.

 

What about the others?

 

For walking about, shopping and drinking the others just don't compare, St. Martin is the best. We spent a week there once so saw a lot of things. Whenever we stop there on a cruise now we look forward to just hanging out and relaxing. Caribe and Red Stripe beer is cheap and plentiful:D

[Sandy Sails]

And by "right off the ship," they mean you can either take a $6 or $7 water taxi over to the downtown area or walk for about 15 minutes. It's within sight of the ship though and very easy to get to. Tons of shopping, little restaurants, and beaches. Everything you need! Love it!

[traveling1969]

St Kitts: Weren't very many shops last time we were there but that was a couple years ago. Dominica the same.

 

Barbados has a good tourist shop area at the port and downtown is interesting albeit a 15-20 minute walk from the ship. We enjoyed stopping for coffee at the cafe downtown which is on the right side of the main drag. It has a second floor balcony with a good view of the street for people watching. There is also a Woolworths there and it's an interesting stop. Lots of street vendors selling interesting things to eat. Not for the picky eater or faint of heart!

 

St Maartin has the best prices and selection of all the places mentioned, especially for liquor and cigarettes if you are so inclined. Cartons of Marlboros for $14.99 and 1.75 liter bottles of Beefeater gin for $14.99 as well. You might have to look at a few places to get the best prices but they are there (turn left on front street when you get off the water taxi for the best prices quoted above).

 

Bon Voyage!

[melbur]

I have to join the crowd and agree St Maarten has the best shopping - and a nice walk - get off the water taxi not at the downtown pier but go to Bobby's Marina and you get to start at the beginning and work your way towards downtown. Past the downtown pier our fave restaurant, Antoines. By the time you get there you are ready for lunch and it has a beautiful spot overlooking the beach. You can see your ship from there.

[jbandkb]

Agree re St. Maarten but would also say Tortola is great for strolling the shops. The town is very quaint, a New England vibe to it.

[Twaincruisers]

Like other posters, we like St. Maarten for all the different things you can do in a compact area within walking distance of the dock-sun on the beach, wide choice of eateries on the beach, shopping one street over from beach, paying dues at the casino, and, most important, a special type of booz that is only found here, Guavaberry.

 

The port in Barbados is about 1 mile from downtown but doesn't seem like it because there are many shops, restaurants, etc, in the area. There is a harbor called The Careenage where small boats dock and there are restaurants that over look the Careenage.

 

Tortola is fun to walk around in the port of Road Town. Here it is very important to make your way to Pusser's for lunch and rum...that way you won't have to wait until you get home to try some of that Pusser's Rum you should have bought in St Maarten.

 

Dominica + St. Kitts are very subdued. Downtown St. Kitts is very small and has a restaurant or 2 overlooking the large Clock. You can take a ride around part of the island on the double decker train that used to carry sugar cane. Dominica is known for its rain forest.

[bouhunter]

Like other posters, we like St. Maarten for all the different things you can do in a compact area within walking distance of the dock-sun on the beach, wide choice of eateries on the beach, shopping one street over from beach, paying dues at the casino, and, most important, a special type of booz that is only found here, Guavaberry.

 

.

 

Yes definitely try a Guavaberry Colada, and pick up a bottle to take home:D