We've rented from two different car agencies in Grenada in three trips: Indigo and Y&R. Both were fine; maybe liked our Y&R rep a bit better.

We have rented 4-wheel drive (mainly RAV-4s), and really had to use it only once -- along a road that was under construction and we needed extra traction. It's good to have a vehicle that's a bit high off the road in case you drive where the roads are rough. Do not expect that rental vehicles will be new -- some are a bit worse for wear. But as long as they get you where you want to go.

I'm sure that there are other equally good car rental agencies.

Somebody else, I'm sure, will address your cruise ship question. You will not be bothered by cruisers, I would guess, at the Calabash. Have you ever seen a calabash tree -- there are quite a few on the grounds of your hotel. Looks like watermelons growing from a tree.

Isle - Thanks for the recommendation. We'll check them out. The beach at Calabash looks much more quiet than Grand Anse beach. That's the one I'm worried about seeing lots of day tripper traffic on. It looks like the hotels in Grand Anse don't control the areas of beach in front of them which is disappointing. We like hotels that have good beach service. We'll look out for the Calabash trees. Are the watermelon type things edible that grow out of them?

it took some looking but i found the cruise schedule
http://cruisett.com/ports.php?PortID=251
then click your month

We've rented for Azar's, Reggie's, and Y&R. They were all good, however, we now exclusively rent from Azar's as he's got very reasonable rates and is very easy going. We also prefer cars that aren't too brand new so we don't have to worry about small dings and scratches.

There will not be any cruisers at the Calabash. They pretty much head to Grand Anse, and some to Morne Rouge (aka BBC). The Calabash is in a quiet neighborhood. You'll have a wonderful time.

All beaches in Grenada are public. We actually think this is good, unlike some islands where although the beaches are public, hotels block off access to the beach from everyone else and it is difficult to get to the beach. Even on Grand Anse, the day trippers are concentrated around the Lazy Days area and over by the craft market. Grand Anse is long stretch of sand, so it never feels crowded. It does get popular with local families on Sundays, but hey, it is their country and they have every right to enjoy their beaches.

Thanks for the recommendations. I hope it didn't take too long to find the cruise schedule, Virginia. Thank you for finding it. My husband found a link to a schedule but it didn't open for him.

Mymoosie - I'll check out the rates for car agencies you recommended. We've have more success on our travels with local car rental agencies. We'd rather use a small local agency like the ones you mentioned than the big names we have here at home.

Where is the Lazy days area that you mentioned in relation to Coyaba on Grand Anse?