For those of you have sailed the Southern Caribbean

[aring75]

We are cruising on the Sun in April on the Southern Caribbean Medley. I am currently trying to decide which ports to schedule shore excurions, and which ones to just leave as is and enjoy on our own.

 

For those of you who have done this itinerary (or something similar), can you tell me which ports are best to have an excursion planned? The following is what I have planned already...

 

Day 1 - Depart Ft. Lauderdale

 

Day 2 - Day at Sea

 

Day 3 - Day at Sea

 

Day 4 - Curacao - I have reserved the *Curacao Highlights & Hato Caves Tour* through Princess. It is supposed to be finished at 12:15 PM, so there should be time left for sightseeing on our own if we want.

 

Day 5 - Isla Margarita - I've heard mixed reviews of this port. So far I had planned to walk around close to the pier and look at the vendors booths. I really enjoy local artisan crafts, and I was hoping to view some interesting finds here. (Currently, no excursion booked.)

 

Day 6 - Barbados - Currently no excursion booked.

 

Day 7 - Dominica - I have reserved the *Dominica's Favorite's* tour through Princess. It takes you on a hike to Trafalgar Falls and the Emerald Pool as well as some sightseeing. It ends at 12:45 PM.

 

Day 8 - St. Thomas - Currently no excursion booked.

 

Day 9 - Day at sea

 

Day 10 - Princess Cays - We LOVE our beach day here!

 

Day 11 - Return to Ft. Lauderdale

 

 

 

Are there any ports where I don't have something planned where it won't be a good idea just to walk around and see things on our own? (i.e. Barbados, St. Thomas, Isla Margarita...even though we'll be staying pretty close to the port in I.M.) It's always nice to get first-hand accounts from people who have been recently.

 

Any ideas/suggestions would be MOST welcome!! TIA.

[daddowdall]

We did a Southern Caribbean cruise a few years ago and loved it. In Barbados, we did not do an excursion and ended up wandering around Bridgetown. We were not impressed, although there was a lot of construction and the weather was cruddy that day, but we all felt like we should have gotten away from the town and a beach break-type excursion would have been better.

 

St. Thomas: Our favorite on-your-own port. Shopping in Charlotte Amalie is certainly a big draw here, but we have always enjoyed jumping in a taxi at the pier and heading for Red Hook (30 min ride), where you board the ferry for a brief (30-40 min?) ride over to Cruz Bay on St. John. Nice little town to poke around, although we usually just grab another taxi there for a 10-15 minute ride to one of the most gorgeous beaches in the Caribbean at Trunk Bay. Powdery white sand, turquoise water, great snorkeling, can get crowded when ship tours are there, but even with the crowds (and we've been there when it was almost empty) it's not to be missed. Taxis at the beach (it's actually a beach park with food concessions, clean restrooms and fresh water showers, gift shop) are plentiful for the ride back to the ferry terminal in Cruz Bay.

[GSDsky]

Everyone has a different tastes.

 

Day 1 - Depart Ft. Lauderdale

- (board ship) :)

 

Day 2 - Day at Sea

- check out martini of the day

- book next years while on board prior to martini

 

Day 3 - Day at Sea

- check out martini of the day

 

Day 4 - Curacao - I have reserved the *Curacao Highlights & Hato Caves Tour* through Princess. It is supposed to be finished at 12:15 PM, so there should be time left for sightseeing on our own if we want.

- Great shopping at port

 

Day 5 - Isla Margarita - I've heard mixed reviews of this port. So far I had planned to walk around close to the pier and look at the vendors booths. I really enjoy local artisan crafts, and I was hoping to view some interesting finds here. (Currently, no excursion booked.)

- Do what you are doing as perfect

 

Day 6 - Barbados - Currently no excursion booked.

- Silver Moon Cat excursion. Book on your own

 

Day 7 - Dominica - I have reserved the *Dominica's Favorite's* tour through Princess. It takes you on a hike to Trafalgar Falls and the Emerald Pool as well as some sightseeing. It ends at 12:45 PM.

- Would be cheaper to book on your own as tour exactly the same.

Try Reynold as he was fantastic to us last year.

This year we did the Whale excursion through princess was great

 

Day 8 - St. Thomas - Currently no excursion booked.

- Just did Megans Bay by cab which was great for us and shopping after

 

Day 9 - Day at sea

- You guessed it, martini of the day

 

Day 10 - Princess Cays - We LOVE our beach day here!

 

Day 11 - Return to Ft. Lauderdale

- get off ship:o

 

Hope this helps;)

[tkebrad]

We we at Isla Margarita and St Thomas about a month ago.

 

For Isla Margarita, I suggest just staying close. Good shopping and a good beach.

 

As for St. Thomas, that is up to you. We just took a cab to Megan's Bay and loved it. There are serveral other very nice beaches to choose from on St Thomas. Also a lot of good shopping. We didn't take an excursion, but have heard many good things about them at this stop.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[aring75]

Yummy...rotti's got me on the martini diet!!

 

 

Wow...lot's of ideas here. So booking private tours is a better idea? Most of these ports are pretty safe to do that?

[whale-watcher]

We took the La Restinga (sp?) lagoon tour on Isla Margarita, and it was interesting (lots of birds and marine life such as seahorses), but was also a long day. There was a stop for shopping on the way back, but we thought the selection was much better at the pier itself, and we had very little time left to shop when we returned from the excursion. The beach right at the pier looked very nice as well (see picture), so if we ever go back, we will plan on a beach and shopping day.

 

We also had a wonderful whale watching excursion on Dominica, and enjoyed the Aerial tram ride as well, and our best excursion of all was a daysail on the Winifred in St Thomas...

 

We thought it was a fantastic itinerary!

[Island Gem]

If you're doing a tour of Isla Margarita, then do with the ship. The stop there is half day, and you don't want to take any chances. We did the city tour that went to the historic church and into the capital; then went on to the forts and through the hotel/casino area on the way back to the ship. I think if you just want to shop, then staying close to the pier will afford you better bargains than going into the city.

[A Sixth?]

I took a tour out of Margarita on my own and thought it was great. Here's a re-print of my review I wrote for "live at the Sun"

The cruise ship pier on Margarita is possibly the worst located in the world for the island it supposedly serves. You’d better take a tour at this stop or stay on the boat. It's 30-45 minutes to ANYWHERE! There are rumours that there will be a new cruise ship pier build right in Polamar, but don’t hold your breath. Things down here need a lot of paper work (cash and the other!!!) I know, I’ve spent time here on my own boat between 97-99.

 

I’d found an American couple on the web offering tours and thought I’d email them to see what they could do for a VERY short post stay (less than 6 hours tie to cast) (http://www.margaritaislandvacation.info/Crusin_N_Style.htm)

 

Steve was a lot cheaper than the ship tour and far more personal. There was a crush of cabs just outside of the first security gate, but man... I wouldn't trust most of them to get me back to the ship on time. Steve's Explorer was great!

 

Steve’s tour took us around the north side of the island and down the Beach Hotel district on the east coast. My wife wanted to shop for a pearl necklace and got a nice one at one of the shops Steve took us to for $ 65.00 (natural but not perfectly round… very nice looking)

 

 

BTW, Steve charged us $ 20.00 ea. for the tour and the four year old was free.

 

A couple of very impressive churches and views and a drive over the islands mountain and down back to ship was a super tour not offered on the ship! Steve had us back EXACTLY when we asked to be returned. Did I mention that it was another perfect day weather wise?

In Dominica you can save a bundle taking a tour straight off the ship. Here's our experience:

 

 

.....Another smooth sail to Dominica, where we docked downtown Rousseau under clear skies. My buddy Marek hired a tour guy right off the street (there were many to choose from) and we were set-up with Peter “Barbie” Joseph and his 11 seat van. There were the five of us with two other couples from our boat. The cost was $ 20.00 each with the four year old in our group no-charge. (See Peter’s picture with Carole, Marek and Joni)

 

What a tour! Five hours at our pace! We started with a trip to the botanical Gardens (a bit of a waste, since the only thing we actually looked at was a couple of birds parked 50 feet away in cages) and then to a scenic lookout where we all posed for pictures of ourselves with the town and our ship below. Trafalgar falls was a challenging hike, but the five of us made it to the base of the falls in sunshine for some great shots. It was a slippy climb and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone with any mobility issues or anyone who had any trouble with climbing inclines.

 

Next it was off to the Emerald Pool, where the five of us went for a refreshing dip and again posed for pictures. BTW, we arrived at a great time, as we were alone at the pool. The views on the walk from the pool to the van were spectacular.

 

A drive through the Layou Valley and stops at a Carib Indian shack and a Fruit stand for a local beer and free samples of the fruits and natural snacks of Dominica.

 

Finally we were back in town, exhausted but 110% satisfied.

 

Peters cell phone number on Dominica is 1-767-316-4369 and home is 1-767-449-0889

 

 

Hope this helps

[aring75]

Oh, wow...great information! I've been reading the "port" boards, but this info is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I also appreciate the picture of the pier at Isla Margarita. Those are the vendors stalls, right? Leading toward the beach?

 

So many options! This is going to be one fabulous cruise!!! Now if I can just make up my mind. :confused: :p

[julieh]

Would reccommend Godfrey's tours in St Thomas he will meet you at the ship and then 2 hours shopping then 2hours Island tour and finally 2 hours at the beach. View his website at http://www.godfreytoursvi.com costs $20 per person and he is a great guy.

 

Julie

[sunflower1972]

Just off the SUN and had this Itinerary. In St Thomas we booked a private tour with Godfrey Renal. Was very much worth the money. $25 pp and includes:

Pick up at 9am, 10 am or 11am for shopping in town

Then an island tour with Godfrey starting at noon.

He then gives you your choices of 2 hours at a beach (Magen's, Sapphire or Coki, I think is the last one) We did Sapphire.

 

Had a lovely day and Godfrey was a wonderful guide. We did the 11am pickup and back at the ship just after 4.

Website:http://www.godfreytourssvi.com

email:godfrey@godfreytourssvi.com

 

In Curacao we walked around town, Isla Margarita we spent some time on the beach at port and visited the market set up....we enjoyed it.

Barbados we booked the Nature Preserve and Accura Beach day with Princess....again was great

Dominica we booked the Dominica Favorites with Princess and loved our time on this island.

 

And lastly Princess Cays was just a great place to spend your last vacation day....wish we had more time here however:)

Have a great time:)

SF

[sunflower1972]

I see Julie was posting Godfrey as I was....LOL. His tour options have changed a bit and for the shopping, tour and beach it is now $25.

His website also offers a $20 trip but I think that was for just shopping and the beach now.....

SF

[A Sixth?]

Oh, wow...great information! I've been reading the "port" boards, but this info is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I also appreciate the picture of the pier at Isla Margarita. Those are the vendors stalls, right? Leading toward the beach?

 

So many options! This is going to be one fabulous cruise!!! Now if I can just make up my mind. :confused: :p

 

Well, in that case check out my review on the "Live..." thread. We also took our own tours in Curacoa and Barbados.

 

The reviews (3 parts) a a little way down the 85th page on the thread, here's the thread link:

 

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=128566&page=85

[GSDsky]

check out the martini of the day!:eek:

 

If you like to swim and snorkle the Silver Moon is a must.

Many reviews under Barbados.

 

If you do the falls in Dominica take a bathing suit (wear it) or change behind a tree (LOL). Take lots of US ones as there is a $2 fee for both falls, probably a tip at the Mr Nice Fruit Stand and and the local beer is $2 a bottle sold openly everywhere.

 

 

Hey lots of info and most of all relax and enjoy your holiday...

[c-cruise]

We did this same itinerary on the Sun in December. You will have agreat time.

 

Curacao: We walked into town and did some shopping and sightseeing on our own. Its about a 15 minute walk with a ferry boat ride thrown in because the Queen Ema Pontoon bridge is being restored for the next year or so. Nice area to just wander around. Then in the afternoon we hired a cab to take us for a couple hour tour of the island. Got some amazing views of Spanish Waters and a good overview of the island.

 

Isla Margarita: As a previous poster mentioned the port is miles from anywhere. They said it was a 45 minute cab ride to Porlamar. We believed them. There is a decent beach walking distance from the port. We spent the day there. They also have a nice outdoor market set up at the port where you can buy local crafts/crap.

 

Barbados: Again the port is not really in town. You can walk into Bridgetown, but we opted for a cab. The city is kind of a waste of time. Very crowded and dirty with lots of construction. Glad we had an excursion booked here. We took the 4X4 island adventure tour which was great! When you get out of Bridgetown the island has a lot of history and is very scenic.

 

Dominica: you definately want to get out on a tour and see the island. Nothing much to see or do in the town. The island itselft is amazing. We took a tour out to Trafalgar falls etc. and had a great time. The "hike" into the falls is more like a 5 minute walk, but the scenery is amazing

 

St. Thomas: we have been there a lot of times so we just rode the tram up to Paradise Point. There is a little hiking trail up there which takes you to even better vantage points of the harbor. Then just did some shopping the rest of the day. If you are docked at Havensight the shopping area there has most everything you can find in town. We didn't even bother to take the cab into town this time.

 

Princess Cays: The beach is always way less crowded if you walk down to the far end. We found a couple hammocks next to each other and felt like we had the island to ourselves. What a relaxing way to end a great vacation!

[Elsea]

I can highly recommend a tour with Godfrey in St. Thomas.:) www.godfreytoursvi.com it was superb value for money and Godfrey made the tour of the island so interesting.:cool:

[whale-watcher]

.... I also appreciate the picture of the pier at Isla Margarita. Those are the vendors stalls, right? Leading toward the beach?

 

So many options! This is going to be one fabulous cruise!!! Now if I can just make up my mind. :confused: :p

The whole area under the thatched roof was filled with vendors and artisans. We would have liked much more time to browse, as the variety was amazing.

[Tak8]

In Barbados, there is a restaurant/bar on the beach called The Boatyard. There is a nice beach area, a water trampoline, a slide, and banana boat rides can be arranged for a fee. Nothing you have to plan in advance, but it is a close 10 minute ride from pier and a lot of fun if you like the beach. The Boatyard has a website you can check out. During the day it is family friendly.

[blackbird71]

Drive by Post :D

 

Last Feb I was in Barbados and did a photo tour by a local photog. In Barbados you have to walk thru a small mall on the way to/from the ships. Most shopping can be done there.

[cruiseapril]

Hi- We did this wonderful, varied itinerary on the Dawn Princess in April 2005.

I'll mention a few of our tours and experiences, and if you have questions about any-would be glad to reply.

 

Curacao-Did the ship's tour "Curacao Highlights" (without Hato Caves at that time) in the morning. Toured a good portion of the Willemstad area-went to the Curacao Museum, stopped at Jan Thiel, and went to Chobolobo-the Curacao Liqueur landhouse. Tour took us back to the ship.

 

In the afternoon, we had a van driver take us on our own tour-to the area where we had lived (Santa Rosa) for two years. Then, we walked around beautiful Willemstad for the rest of the afternoon.

 

Isla Margarita- Did the "La Restinga Lagoon" ship's tour. Interesting adventure.

 

Barbados- Went on the "Island and Francia House" tour.

 

Dominica- What a beautiful wilderness island! We walked around Roseau in the morning- it was crowded, but interesting. Took the ship's tour to the "Layou Valley" in the afternoon. Narrow roads, fantastic scenery.

 

St. Thomas-Shopped on our own in the morning, went swimming at Magen's Bay Beach in the afternoon.

 

Princess Cays- Bright and hot beach day there-a good ending to an excellent cruise!

[Host CJSKIDS]

We rented a jeep in St Thomas and toured the island on our own and loved it. We're doing the same thing when we stop there in September. Budget is right by the dock and driving was so easy.

 

In Isla Margarita we were only there for such a short time that all we did was get off the ship and walk around the pier area. The shopping was great and we picked up quite a few things to bring home. Coffee from here was fantastic.

[britsbest]

At St Thomas try sail winifred. Its A1!!

http://www.sailwinifred.com/

[DesrtDrmr]

Your shore excursions sound good.

We did this same cruise and really enjoyed poking around Isla Margharita, right at the port. We bought a couple of paintings, and just had them framed.......look great. We enjoyed the primary colors of what we consider to be primitive-type folk art(ala the Grandma Moses of Venezuela!) :). We enjoyed a drink at the open air bar there, searching through all of the art/craft/souvenir stands there, and talking with the vendors. They were all very nice, and only one or two pushy ones. The beach looked nice, and people were having a good time there.

In Barbados, we took the shortest ships tour of the island available. It gave us a good overview, then we poked around town, and were back on the ship at lunchtime. Did laundry and enjoyed a lazy afternoon onboard.

Have a great cruise!

[rollingstone]

Just did a southern carib in Nov.

In Curacao try the HMS Bounty. It is a tall masted ship. Food, open bar, snorkeling, great scenery.

Barbados - we went with Glory tours. it was a small group. Went to Harrison caves, Bathsheba,Orchid world wildlife preserve. Our driver actually took us to the preserve at feeding time when there was a greater chance of seeing monkeys (they roam free). we were the only ones there and sure enough, we saw the monkeys!! A great lunch is included. If you are in port at night, the boatyard is great.

St Thomas - it has been a while since we were here but we took a tour with Godfrey. It was well worth the money. Just walking around is great too.

Have a GREAT time!!

[pklopp]

Rollingstone - where as this HMS Bounty - was it on a tour, cab ride or walk? Thanks for the info - did you go to Dominica, and if so, what did you do there?

Peggy