Which Southern Caribbean Cruise?

[NovCruisin]

Looking at doing a southern Caribbean cruise out of San Juan in 2013/2014

 

Two options, one cruise includes Aruba and Curacao, the other includes Barbados and Grenada...Haven't chosen a line, really we don't care which line we sail...

 

My question is which two ports are better? Price doesn't matter. We prefer beaches with mountain/hill type views.

 

Thanks!

[phoenix_dream]

Aruba and Curacao are two of my very favorite ports so I had to vote for them. That said, if you really need mountain views while at the beach, you should choose Barbados and Grenada. But the beaches on Aruba in particular are some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean, and the islands themselves are very clean with alot of nice ammenities like shopping, restaurants, and casinos. Barbados is a fairly close second as far as things to do. Grenada is beautiful, but is not as developed.

 

I have found the people on Aruba and Curacao to be much friendlier and nicer to tourists as well, but that is my opinion and I'm sure others might disagree. As an example, we had an instance on Barbados where we booked a day pass at the Hilton, and when we got there the taxi driver tried to cheat us by asking for more money than had been agreed to. We had quite a 'conversation' with him, which only ended when we suggested the police be called. The front desk staff actually told us via email ahead of time that we needed to beware of these types of taxi issues so it was not an isolated incident. I just don't need that on vacation! I try to treat everyone with fairness and respect, and i want the same in return.

[Olive1950]

Grenada and Barbados.

 

Spices, spices, spices

[KAWS]

Personally I'd go for the first choice, but that's only because I haven't been to either one.

 

If you do go for the second choice, we had a fabulous time with Silver Moon on the catamaran and then again with El Tigre doing the same kind of excursion last month. Doing it again, I'd go with Silver Moon. It was just a touch above.

 

Either way enjoy. Southern is my favourite route.

[NovCruisin]

Thank you for the responses :)

[fredflint]

Well I have been to Barbados, Aruba and Curacao, Aruba and Curacao are very similar the people are great but it is like the same place. Barbados is a bit different and while I was there a long time ago the people were very friendly and helpful we took the public bus to the wildlife preserve.

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1183146-d147707-Reviews-Barbados_Wildlife_Reserve-Saint_Peter_Barbados.html\

 

and a private bus back people were helpful pointing us in the rigth direction and even where to wait. If if had not been for the kindness of strangers we probably would have missed our ship due to a late running bus.

[jacketwatch]

Actually does the cruise include St. Lucia? I mean for mountains this is the best. The views are amazing. As for the question if its mountains then try barbados and Grenada. However Aruba has a beautiful stretch of beach near the Holiday Inn and the Marriott. No mountains however. Curacao is very pretty but is not know for great beaches. The so. Caribbean is a wonderful route. You will enjoy it :)

[SeaDog Macaw]

We're looking to take a caribbean cruise this year, but have yet to book. Am also thinking of Aruba, but what time is best to visit? Any ideas? Cheers, P :confused:

[Snorkel Dawg]

Actually does the cruise include St. Lucia? I mean for mountains this is the best.

 

 

 

I'll second that. If you want AMAZING mountains go on a cruise that visits St. Lucia. Just booked the Celebrity Summit 4/20/13 from San Juan which stops in Batbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten & St. Thomas at a great price I might add!

 

But each of those islands you listed is amazing in it's own way. You really can't go wrong w/any of them!:)

[MammaCass]

We're looking to take a caribbean cruise this year, but have yet to book. Am also thinking of Aruba, but what time is best to visit? Any ideas? Cheers, P :confused:

We went for many years in March or April and always had perfect weather. Interestingly, this past trip (first week in April), we had more rain than we had during 15 years of cruising. I would recommend Aruba and Curacao. Palm Beach in Aruba is absolutely gorgeous and there are a number of hotels on the beach where you can enjoy lunch or cocktails. There are resorts in Curacao with man made beaches that are also beautiful. I love the beaches in Barbados but there are so many vendors, it gets uncomfortable. I would also recommend St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Antiqua and St. John.

[miched]

We're looking to take a caribbean cruise this year, but have yet to book. Am also thinking of Aruba, but what time is best to visit? Any ideas? Cheers, P :confused:

 

I think the ships are only there in the day time. If you want to be there at night you may have to look into a land package.

[4774Papa]

Tough call, I really liked Curacao, Aruba was ok. I really liked St. Lucia, it seemed more authentic. Also, Grenada was beautiful like St. Lucia. Barbados was cool.

[Eightydays]

Barbados has the best beaches of the four -- also some mountains. Aruba has nice beaches but the ocean floor always feels muddy rather than sandy and sometimes the water isn't very clear -- except at Baby Beach. Curacao has great snorkeling but the beaches are a bit rocky. However, the main town is the most picturesque in the Caribbean. I really enjoyed Curacao. Grenada has both mountains and good (but not great) beaches. If you find an itinerary that includes St. Lucia you should consider it -- the best vistas.

 

All of the above are great ports of call and if you don't get to some of them this trip it just means you have to plan another Southern Caribbean cruise (best Carib. itinerary).

 

Enjoy!