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Hello,
I would like for you to recommend a cruise (disregard time and money) that you think most effectively hits the Caribbean’s top sightseeing/architectural destinations. I know that sightseeing and architecture is not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the Caribbean. However, my idea is to visit beautiful (and relatively well-preserved) colonial towns/cities and if or when I get tired of that, I could easily lie down on some exotic beach, drink a pina colada, listen to the music and savor the nature.
So, in short, in your opinion, (1) where do you think the most beautiful (and relatively well-preserved) colonial Caribbean towns/cities can be found and (2) which cruise hits most of these spots?
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Hi,
I am not getting much responses from my question, so I am going to try to be more specific. Right now, my first step is to research some of the Caribbean's sightseeing/colonial architecture destinations and then I would try to pick a cruise ship that hits my desired spots (or rent a boat). I am pretty much sold on the idea of visiting Willemstad, Curacao. I am almost sold on the idea of visiting St. George's, Grenada. To a slightly lesser extent (but not by much), I am almost sold on the idea of visiting Christiansted and Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands. I am ambivalent about Bermuda and especially St. Kitts. Moreover, I lack information on Barbados and Guadeloupe.
If you have been to any of these places, please offer me your opinion and input as they relate to my desire to visit Caribbean islands that boast beautiful and well-preserved architecture and relatively impressive sightseeing. Moreover, please tell me (if you know) the time(s) of year to avoid this Southern Caribbean due to bad weather patterns. Lastly, please let me know if there is some kind of non-cruise general transportation boat I could use to island hop.
Hello,
More than likely people are not responding since this is not the cruise forum. You might getter a better response over there. As for cruising most people avoid the hurricane months. June-Dec. I have been to most of the Islands you inquire about but it is not clear to me exactly what you are seeking. In terms of architecture each and every island has a beuaty of its own. Difficult to pick just one. Mostly all ships go to St. Thomas so whether or not that is on your list you can bet on visiting there. Not all go to Grenada but it is one of my favorite islands. I don't think ships go to Curacao )??) unless I am not up to date on current destinations.
Why don't you go to your library and look at books on Caribbean architecture and homes.
That would give you a head start in deciding what island you want to visit.
St. Kitts has the restored Brimstone Hill fortress. One of the major forts in the Western Hemisphere. Martinique has many French style buildings, reminiscent of New Orleans.
Every island is different because they adopted the styles of the country that originally colonized them.
I'm not sure you'd find a cruise that went to both St. Croix and Curacao.
Are you interested in homes or government buildings or churches?
cw
Greekness- a new book just came out on architecture in the Caribbean called "Searching for Sugarmills" you can purchase it on amazon.com
I have a copy it is great and will direct you to many sites in the Caribbean. I would take a cruise that covers the eastern caribbean. GL
Hi,
Just for clarification, I am interested in all kinds of architecture from homes to government buildings and etc. What I want to avoid is going to Caribbean islands that basically offer shopping, nature and casinos. Instead, I want to visit islands that really have well-preserved, impressive and uniform architecture (such as Willemstad, Curacao and San Juan, Puerto Rico). So, feel free to make recommendations or discourage certain destinations.
Charlie
The book I mentioned covers all types of buildings, FYI. I think you would find it helpful in your quest. Also, Curacao would be a great place to go as well as PR.
Why don't you take a look at some of the cruise forums which will be more helpful.
greekness, the areas you've mentioned cover an enormous geographic territory. My advice to you is to check into a Windjammer Sailboat Cruise. We took one out of Grenada and enjoyed seeing many smaller islands in the Leewards that would be harder to access on a larger ship or individually on your own. You'll be able to see a good representation of what you're asking for in this way.
Windjammer has about 7 ships and each sail in different regions of the Caribbean, so you may find one cruise they offer covers Grenada & the Grenadines, one that covers the ABC's and another that will give you the BVI's and USVI's.
Christianstead on St. Croix is considerably south of St. Thomas and St. John, so not sure you will find them on the same trip.
www.windjammer.com
Good luck!