Caribbean with Thomson in March

[janeeyre]

We are going on a two week cruise to the Caribbean with Thomson in March flying to Barbados. Does anyone have any tips on visiting the islands re trips or on your own?

Thank you

[CruiserBruce]

There is tons of info on each island over on the Ports boards.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Check out the Ports of Call here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=587

Also join your Roll Call and see what others are doing.

[John Bull]

In very broad terms, in the Caribbean;

 

Sight-seeing. Can be done way way better & way cheaper (25% to 35% of the cost) compared to ships' tours, by negotiating with taxi & minibus drivers at the port. Drivers are trustworthy & friendly, they know their island & they know the importance of back-on-board time. If you're just two, sharing with fellow-cruisers on the quayside is usual. They can replicate ships' tours (without the tour being held up by slowcoaches getting on & off the bus), or they can customise, or suggest alternatives. Agree a price & itinerary before you board, pay at the end (in USD), its the norm. Drivers can drop you back at the ship, or if you prefer at shops or beach, so take beach gear with you.

This for drivers lined up at the port, they're authorised & are known to each-other - be very very wary of offers further from the port, they might not even be licensed.

 

Activities (ziplining, river-tubing, catamarans, etc) are either impossible or much more difficult to replicate on-the-fly. So if you're keen on a particular activity, book ahead - via the ship is simplest & least-prone to problems, though some can be booked direct by searching on the 'net.

 

Be aware that sometimes a ship doesn't make port due to sea conditions etc. So check cancellation terms for anything you pre-pay (automatic refund of ship's own excursion bookings in those circumstances).

 

Fly-cruises, such as Thomson & P&O, to ships stationed in Barbados are a very simple & civilised way for Brits to cruise the Caribbean.

Have a good one

 

JB :)

[janeeyre]

In very broad terms, in the Caribbean;

 

Sight-seeing. Can be done way way better & way cheaper (25% to 35% of the cost) compared to ships' tours, by negotiating with taxi & minibus drivers at the port. Drivers are trustworthy & friendly, they know their island & they know the importance of back-on-board time. If you're just two, sharing with fellow-cruisers on the quayside is usual. They can replicate ships' tours (without the tour being held up by slowcoaches getting on & off the bus), or they can customise, or suggest alternatives. Agree a price & itinerary before you board, pay at the end (in USD), its the norm. Drivers can drop you back at the ship, or if you prefer at shops or beach, so take beach gear with you.

This for drivers lined up at the port, they're authorised & are known to each-other - be very very wary of offers further from the port, they might not even be licensed.

 

Activities (ziplining, river-tubing, catamarans, etc) are either impossible or much more difficult to replicate on-the-fly. So if you're keen on a particular activity, book ahead - via the ship is simplest & least-prone to problems, though some can be booked direct by searching on the 'net.

 

Be aware that sometimes a ship doesn't make port due to sea conditions etc. So check cancellation terms for anything you pre-pay (automatic refund of ship's own excursion bookings in those circumstances).

 

Fly-cruises, such as Thomson & P&O, to ships stationed in Barbados are a very simple & civilised way for Brits to cruise the Caribbean.

Have a good one

 

Thank you most helpful:)