Is it too early

[Dark Knight]

true but not a holiday, holiday
we were mooching about in East Yorkshire, doing a few bits and bobs plus the odd day out
so not really a holiday

[Andrea S]

DK, A break from work but not what I call a holiday either.
Looking forward to hearing your views on Thomson's. It has a pretty good itinerary.

[Dark Knight]

Andrea
First time in the Caribbean and as it is a fly cruise we wanted a less formal ship, the itinerary looks good, not too many sea days and a long stay in Bridgetown on the change over day and plenty of time in each port
we are doing a back to back so a full 14 days, we are really looking forward to it

[Ray B]

Hi Batty, been to the Carib a few times now and looking to book a late one before PandO return back to Southampton after Christmas. You will enjoy it I am sure and will want to return. The place is so laid-back, the sea as blue as you see in pictures of the Carib and warm as bath water unlike the North Sea at 17c when I took a dip last week
I am off to the Med in a couple of weeks, Derek the MM, the star turn on stage.

Ray

[Dark Knight]

it is now only 108 days and about 18 hours till our cruise to the Caribbean

wow I can almost taste the rum

[Dancing Queen]

it is now only 108 days and about 18 hours till our cruise to the Caribbean

wow I can almost taste the rum

And very good "rum" it is too

[Dark Knight]

all paid for
now we start thinking about excursions

any tips

[david63]

... any tips

I believe that on most cruise lines the staff expect them

[Dancing Queen]

all paid for
now we start thinking about excursions

any tips

Which islands ??

The Caribbean is very easy to DIY so tell us where and I'm sure we'll come up with some suggestions for you, Catamaran and swim with turtles in Barbados is excellent ( think you would have to do a ships tour for this though excellent value for money ) and if going to Antigua Nelsons Dockyard is a must.

[Dark Knight]

list of ports as follows:
Barbados
British Virgin islands
St Barths
Antigua
Dominica
St Vincent and Grenadines
Barbados
Bonaire
Aruba
Curacao
Grenada
Barbados and home

Smurfy
all tips and gratuities are included in the fare, however should we be in reciept of towel animals, than the cabin steward may get a few quid for his efforts

[HK phooey]

Batty, I agree with DQ that Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua is well worth a visit. Avoid St John's taxis (the main operator in the port) unless you want to spend 3 hours on a rickety bus looking at every shack on the island. Sounds like you're going to Tortola so if you like beautiful beaches with pelicans head for Cane Garden Bay.

[Dark Knight]

103 days....
once it gets below 100, it will start to seem a bit more real, Lady D and I need to sit down and look at the excursions together and sort out what we want to do

[Peter D]

DK, hope you like a read:

Most if not all the island have minibuses touting tours at the port - cheaper and just as good as the ship tours. Most tours take only 2-3 hours so there is no worry about getting back to the ship before sail-away because the ship does not sail until either 5.30pm or 6pm

All islands will accept US$ but experience shows use low value notes as the locals won't be happy if you pay for a 2 dollar drink with a 50US dollar note. Even think about taking some EC$ with you.

Barbados
Cruise ships sail straight into the capital – Bridgetown. This is where you normally start or end your cruise holiday with P&O.

Bridgetown as mixed reviews some have found it warm, welcoming place with some attractive buildings but others say it is dirty and not very impressive.

The dock area has an excellent duty-free shopping area, the best for price and selection of any of the islands. If you are planning a take-home duty-free bottle or a major jewellery purchase then this is the place to buy it.

The ship is located some distance from the city; you will need to get a taxi or mini-bus into town. The mini-bus cost 1 USD pp one-way and a taxi about 3 USD. Remember to always agree taxi fares beforehand.

Things To Do Here:
For a local tour operator: EL Tigre
The "Swimming with Turtles" trip in the sea off Barbados is good value, with free rum punch (but only after you finished swimming). P&O use Tiami Catamaran Cruises. However, they have their own website and facebook page.
Harrison caves are worth the trip.
Bridgetown is good for a walk around.
Atlantis submarine.
The Catmaran trip with EL Tigre cruises

Beaches:
You can get a taxi to Malibu on Brighton Beach, it is about 10 mins from the ship. There are beds and a bit of shade on the beach it is an absolutely beautiful beach.
You can just walk into Bridgetown then out the other side onto Carlisle Bay.
The Boatyard a short taxi ride away, look it up on the internet.

Antigua
Cruise ships sail straight into the capital – St John’s.

In bright blue sky and warm sun, Antigua looks lovely. Some good shopping to be done (diamonds and cosmetics etc) by where you dock.

Things to do here:
St. John's is a lively hub for shopping and dining. On the downside the taxi drivers, hair braiders etc around the terminal constantly pester you.

The skyline of St. John's, the capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda, is dominated by the magnificently evocative white baroque towers of St. John's Cathedral, built in 1845. The towers are the first sight of Antigua for about half of the island's visitors each year, many of whom arrive by boat.

Museum of Antigua and Barbuda: This charming museum tells the story of Antigua and Barbuda from its geological birth through the present day. Visit their website at: www.antiguamuseums.org

On Friday and Saturday mornings, be sure to visit the vibrant farmers market on the southern edge of the city. Folk crafts, colourful tropical fruits, and a buzzing crowd make for a lively morning.

If you really want to DIY then Buses run fairly frequently on weekdays and Saturdays from early morning till around 6pm but on Sundays there are very few buses, if any at all. The buses don’t run to a timetable, but they leave when they are full, or when the driver decides! To get to the West Bus station from the dock, you walk straight up the road beyond the ship gates till you come to Market Street where you turn right. Then it's a short walk and you'll come to a fork in the road where you bear right (by the statue) in front of the public marketplace. Just after that, you’ll come to the bus station on the right. The walk probably takes about 10 minutes.

Here are a few routes for you to check out:
Buses 15 & 17 are available until midnight
Bus 15 from St. John's to All Saints road & Liberta Cost EC $2.50
Bus 17 from St. John's to Falmouth Harbour, Cobbs Cross & English Harbour Cost EC 3.25
Bus 22 from St. John's to Crabb Hill, Johnston's Point, Urlings and Old Road Cost EC $3.25
Bus 20 Golden Grove, Antigua State College, Creek side, Ebenezer Jennings and Bolans for those going to Jolly Harbour Cost EC $3.00

For a local tour operator: Antigua Premier No deposit just pay on the day.

Carl will give you instructions on how to find him when leaving the port. His commentary was excellent and he really looked after us. Easy to find on-line & well worth the money.

Their North Tour visits, Betty's Hope Sugar Plantation, Devils Bridge, Nelson's Dockyard*, Shirley's Heights. Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours. USD$140 for 1-4, 4+ USD$35pp

Their "Tropical Trails" costs USD$70pp for a Land Rover of 8 persons. You are taken through the sugar cane and rain forest over very rough roads (pot holes you could get lost in) and then a run round some of the island sights.

If you make your way up to Heritage Quay and arrange a taxi, rates are fixed or they should be.
A typical tour is a journey to Nelsons dockyard, Shirley's heights and a look at Eric Clapton's house and back to town for $20 each. This takes around 2 1/2 hours and in a lovely clean air conditioned mini bus. Kent was our driver, who pointed out many places of interest and told us quite a bit about the island.

Most people don't know that the admittance fee to Nelson's Dockyard includes Shirley Heights, in 2013 this was USD$8pp

The helicopter tour (Montserrat) is fantastic. Really was value for money.

The island is small enough that you could do a circular coastal route - which would capture the magnificent beaches - the rain forest, the black pineapple plantations, Betty's Hope and the old sugar plantations.

Beaches:
It has 365 beaches so take your pick, they are all beautiful. Be careful, the beaches shelve rapidly so you must be a confident (or reasonably confident) swimmer.
Valley Church Beach is beautiful. We were met by a very bossy but lovely local lady called Claudia, who got us organised with sunbeds, umbrellas etc, and nothing was too much trouble for her. She wasn't looking for a tip either, but we used the beach cafe she recommended, and we had a great day. When we left she made sure we were ok, and that we had had a good time.
Take a local taxi to Dickinsons Bay. It does get very busy and although the sunbeds are reasonable at $5 pp, it costs $12 for the parasol.

Dominica
You dock straight into the capital Roseau a relaxed place with a great atmosphere ideal for cruise passengers as you can simply step of your ship and head to the surrounding shops, wander round the market and just enjoy it. The great thing about shopping in Dominica is that it is duty free; however shopping is not as prominent in Dominica as it is on other Caribbean Islands.

The old Market Plaza is one of the easiest places to pick up souvenirs, located just behind the Dominica Museum, in Roseau. Slaves were once sold here but know you will find handcrafted jewellery, T-shirts, spices, souvenirs, batik and lacquered and woven bamboo boxes.

Things To Do Here:
Old Market Plaza – one of the easiest places to pick up souvenirs, located just behind the Dominica Museum, in Roseau. Slaves where once sold here but know you will find handcrafted jewellery, T-shirts, spices, souvenirs, batik and lacquered and woven bamboo boxes.

Botanical Gardens- The 40-acre Botanical Gardens, founded in 1891 are the largest area of green space within the City of Roseau. It is a great place to relax, stroll, or watch a cricket match or simply view over 50 types of indigenous plants and imported trees as well as the Sisserou Parrot, the National Bird of Dominica.

This is definitely a place to take a local tour so that you get to see the rain forest, learn about the plants and animals, taste the fruits, see sulphur springs, impressive waterfalls and fabulous views.

For a local tour operator: Bumpiing Tours.
Emerald Pool – Quite possibly the most visited nature attractions on the island, this emerald green pool fed by a 50-foot waterfall is an easy trip to make.

An easy 30-minute hike takes you through magnificent overhanging trees and lush vegetation to the shimmering pool, which appears green in the tree-filtered sunlight. If you go for a dip, you can swim right up to the waterfall!

On your way back there are two viewpoints where you can see the Atlantic Coast and Morne Laurent to your left, rising to an elevation of 2,248 ft. Breath-taking!

Morne Trois Pitons National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 17,000-acre swath of lush, mountainous land in the south-central interior (covering 9% of Dominica) is the island’s crown jewel. The Park is named after its highest mountain, Morne Trois Pitons, meaning mountain of three peaks Undisputedly the highlight of the park is the Boiling Lake. Reputedly the World’s largest such lake. The two to four hour (one way) hike up to the lake is challenging so ensure you are wearing the appropriate attire for a strenuous hike, and a guide is a must. During your hike you will come across a number of waterfalls including Sari Sari Waterfalls the sight of water cascading 150 feet into a large pool is worth the 45 minute hike. In facts the falls are so large that you can feel the spray from hundreds of yards away.

The Arial Tram in the rain forest here is good.

Beaches:
It is not an island for beaches, but does have good snorkelling on the reefs especially "Champagne Reef"

St Vincent
This was the only island we felt uncomfortable in - but that was in the town itself. We would definitely either just stay close to the ship or go on an organised excursion.

Things To Do Here:
Walk up to the fort it's a long way but worth it to see and chat with the locals and there is a lovely refreshment stop part way up where you may meet a grey haired man who will tell you all about island life.

The Waterfall and Coast excursion to various places of the island including walk in rainforest to a waterfall which you can stand under/in (take swimwear) and the set of Pirates of the Caribbean and a nice lunch, then a cruise back to the port. One of P&O's better tours and makes the most of St.Vincent.

Beaches:
Just across the bay is the little known gem of Young Island. Just stand on the beach and a water-taxi will appear to take you across, as usual negotiate the price and you have to enter by wading into the water and exit onto a wet jetty. This is a private island largely occupied by a single hotel, but visitors are welcome with the restriction that you cannot use the sunbeds and hammocks belonging to the hotel. Just stretch out your beach towel and enjoy a lovely setting with excellent swimming, including a swim-out bar just off the beach. The round-trip cost 10 USD for the mini-bus and 2 USD round-trip for the water-taxi.
Try; Escape to Bequia – a catamaran across to Bequia where you have some time on the beach and lunch on-board.

Bonaire
Your ship will normally dock in Kralendijk. Lovely clean place with a nice prom (crystal clear water with loads of parrot fish) bars selling Amstel beer, souvenir and clothes shops on the street parallel to the prom. Do be careful when walking on unmade pavements.

Things To Do Here:
There is a small market and craft stalls set up on the quayside
In the afternoon, there is a small market and craft stalls set up on the quayside.

Beaches:
There are few sandy beaches, while the surrounding reefs are easily accessible from the shore and make the island ideal for scuba divers and snorkelers.
There was a little island called Klien Bonaire, where the snorkeling is very good
If you are looking for a guided snorkel trip. Renee snorkeltrips and Woodwind are two options. Renee takes you along the mainland and Woodwind sail to Klein Bonaire.
Souribon has plenty of loungers and shades. Beach bar is good.
It is possible to swim quite close to where the ship docks, however the beach is quite rocky.

Aruba
Your ship will normally dock in Oranjestad.

A member of the Dutch Antilles so has lovely brightly painted houses. A very nice clean town where you dock and it nice to have a pleasant walk round the harbour. There is some good duty free shopping to be done in the shops. The shopping mall is right by the ship.

Things To Do Here:
For a local tour operator Sonny Binns Tour, binns.tours@yahoo.com, no web site yet. If you e-mail him he is very prompt with his response, giving you all the information you needed. The Island Tour requires a minimum of 6 people costs 30USD and last 3 hrs.

Walk around Wilhemina Park,
The semi sub gives a lasting memory.

Beaches:
The bus station in Aruba is almost opposite the port exit, just slightly to the right; ask at the bus station for the bus which takes you to the hotel zone, this is the same bus which the US cruisers use to get to the beaches. For $2.30 return bus-fare, plus $5 dollars for a lounger you can have a day on beautiful Palm Beach beach. BTW, P&O charges £29 for a similar beach break.

Catch the local bus to Eagle beach only about 2½ US dollars return for two. The sunbeds and straw umbrella cost us over $20 on the beach and a couple of beers were expensive at $6 dollars each.
The day at De Palm Island off Aruba is great, and good value - it is a man made fun island about 6 minutes by boat, and once there, it's all- inclusive. Tickets are available at Port de Palm. Adult Full Day USD$109, Adult Half Day USD$99.

Curaco
Part of the Dutch Antilles although not as nice as Aruba.

You Berth at the cruise terminal and it's a fair walk into town. However, Willemstad is a lovely town. Lots of colourful Dutch-style houses. A walk across the quirky swing bridge named the Queen Elizabeth, across the harbour by the floating market and to a nice shopping area and lovely café-bars along the waterfront.

Things To Do Here:
For a local tour operator: Irie Tours
They have a tour, stop at the Curcao distillery, and an hour or so at the beach admission price included all for $20 (also beer and soft drinks!).
The Rif Fort next to the port was quite nice with nice bars etc
Try the nearby Sea Aquarium and Hato caves.
There is a little Trolly Train, not expensive. It takes you past the floating market, "wedding cake" house, the cathedral, park & the Arches .
Try the Maritime Museum

For a place for a drink and meal try the Copacabana Cafe in a little square, had a couple of beers and enjoyed Teriyaki Chicken the special of the day $8.50.

Beaches:
The beach close to the Sea Aquarium is a nice sandy beach and quite close to Willemstad.
Take a local mini bus to Mamba Beach $5 pp each way, entrance to the beach cost $3 each and sunbeds were another $5 each. It is a lovely beach and kept very clean and tidy, various bars serving rum punch etc. However, on a Saturday the beach gets very busy.

Grenada
This is a very green island & there are nature type things to see. Grenada is known as the spice island of the Caribbean.

Grenada had been badly damaged as a result of Hurricane Ivan in 2004, therefore a lot of the buildings are newly build, there are still a few original buildings around and the fort and churches are still standing well.

Things To Do Here:
Just exploring the Capital, St Georges, was fun it is a pretty little town but not as easy to see from the new berth. We walked up the hill to the Fort, down the other side to the harbour and then back through the scary road tunnel before walking around the amazing spice market.
The Spice market in Granada is in walking distance of the port instead of paying a lot through organised tours
The Island discovery that takes in the waterfalls
There is a little land train $20 pp for a trip around the town.

Beaches:
Get a water taxi cheaply across a short stretch of water and onto Grand Anse beach. A lovely wide and long stretch of beach with hut type restaurants and bars. Grand Anse beach is huge so if you are looking for a quiet spot don’t take the first sun beds offered walk further along the beach. There is a market area where souvenirs, cold drinks, food and toilets are available. The water taxi’s run all day every 15 minutes or so.

[Dark Knight]

it is now 58 days 17 hours till we depart for the Caribbean

I can almost feel the sun on my face and the sand between my toes

and that was some read...thanks for the info

[Dark Knight]

54 days and counting

[HK phooey]

Are you going to get your chest wig braided with rasta beads? I think it looks great

[david63]

Have you not gone yet

Thought you had been and come back by now

[Dark Knight]

45 days to go
is it too early to get the cases down from the loft?

I can hear the opening refrain of "Woah we're going to Barbados", much better than soddin Xmas carols

[Susan Watt]

Unfortunately it's 56 weeks, 5 days 2 hours and 20 minutes until we board for our cruise

[Dark Knight]

it has been nearly 18 months since we originally booked and it has been a right long drag to get to here
so I might get a bit giddy in the next 3-4 weeks

[Dark Knight]

31 Days
13 Hours


Oh Yeah Baby

[HK phooey]

Don't call me baby.

[Dark Knight]

Not what you said last week, now is it ?

[Dark Knight]

it is now less than a month to our 2 week Caribbean cruise
once the Xmas nonsense is out of the way it will be packing time

[david63]

Is it too early to start the topic "When will DK be back"?