Cruise Talk: Ports of Call

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Author

Topic: Ports of Call

MJPARKER
Just Boarded
Member # 295

posted 10-14-1998 10:27 PM

I am interested in finding out about the scheduled ports of call for my upcoming cruise: Barbados, Grenada, La Gauira, Martinique, St Thomas, Curacao, & Caracas. I do have a book on cruises, but I'd like some real opinions on what to do and what to see, or if we should just stay on the boat.

Posts: 2 | From: Great Falls, SC, USA | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

Debbie Morgenthaler
Just Boarded
Member # 119

posted 10-20-1998 7:00 PM

We took a similar itinerary several years ago on one of Carnivals ships. St. Thomas was very nice but I would suggest if you get a chance to take a tour to St. John. It is a beautiful island that has one of the 10 best beaches in the world - unspoiled lots of great habitat. I also really liked Barbados. I would sugggest that if you plan to do some shopping that you will not find any big bargins here. We shared a taxi with several friends and toured the island. We visited the caves which was nothing special so save your money & see something else. We took the pirate party ship cruise in the afternoon and had a GREAT time, I would suggest it. This is a place I would go back to. Martinique was an island that I was not very impressed with. It was a beautiful island but the city was dirty & the people were a little rude. You might want to check out the Beach or the old fort. I'm not for sure about the tours offered, we just wondered on our own. Warning, from my experience, 80% of the population only speeks French. You might want to brush up. I felt very safe on all of these islands, just use your regular traveling sence.

Posts: 4 | From: Carbondale Il USA | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

Tracey
Just Boarded
Member # 457

posted 10-21-1998 10:54 AM

I recently sailed on the Carnival Fascination, which visits several of the same islands.
I thought Barbados was beautiful. We rented a car, because I could not find a tour which visited all the sights we wanted to see. However, be warned that driving on the left is very difficult!! We saw the Harrison Cave, which was okay. We also went to the Flower Forest, which was a magnificant botanical garden. Then we went to the Barbados Wildlife Preserve--I really enjoyed this. It is a nature park where the animals roam freely--very unique! Any shopping we did, we did at the pier shops.
Martinique was one of my favorite islands, although I think I am in the minority in my opinion. We rented a car here, also, and drove north to St. Pierre. There is a Museum of Volcanology here, which was really interesting. Then we drove back through the middle of the island, which is a rain forest. Each vista was more beautiful than the last! We spent very little time in downtown Fort-de-France, and had no problems with safety. My friend even left her purse sitting on the street for 15 min. and when she went back to get it, 2 cab drivers were holding it for her and nothing was missing! I found all the people to be very friendly,despite not being able to speak English very well. Just be cordial and smile, and they will do the same!
St. Thomas was a very pretty island, too. We first went to Magen's Bay, which is rated one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. This is a great place for swimming--flat, sandy bottom--but not for snorkeling. We then took a cab to Red Hook and a ferry to St. John--I highly recommend seeing this island. It is small and quaint, and the snorkeling at Trunk Bay was wonderful.
I didn't feel unsafe on any of these islands. We didn't take any of the boat excursions and I think we saw more than the people who did, judging by comparisons with other passengers. Anyway, go out and see the islands--don't stay on the boat. When will you ever get the chance to see these different places and cultures again? Have fun!

Posts: 2 | From: Belleville, IL, USA | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

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