We sailed on the Celebrity Summit this past February and had a terrific time visiting St. Maarten, Dominica, Grenada, Tobago, and Barbados (sailing out of San Juan, PR).
We have posted a trip report on http://www.hitherandthither.net.
Hope you find it helpful! (We check our page routinely for questions or comments if you have any.)
Ashley
Trip Report: 7-day Southern Caribbean Cruise
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Great report! We don't get a lot of Caribbean cruise reports here.
I love your report. You guys managed to do a lot during your stays in port. After reading your report, hubby and I might have to consider cruising someday.
La Bombonera is our favorite spot for breakfast in OSJ. The pan de mallorca are heaven, and so is their fresh squeezed orange juice.
For your cocoa tea from Grenada, try steeping a bay leaf for a few minutes in the cocoa. I know it sounds weird, but it gives it a nice, unique taste.
Nice report, you write well. I was looking at Caribbean cruises but was concerned because the brochures say "debarkation starts 2 hrs after arrival" and you have to be back on board at least 1 hr before departure "for legal reasons". How did you manage to be "first off the ship?" ie, just by lining up at the exit door? How long before you docked did you have to be there? I heard it can take a long time for people just to get off the boat, especially if you have to take tenders to shore.
Thanks
Great report! If you love diving, you will need to return to Dominica for a week sometime to dive Soufriere Bay with Nature Island Dive. They are an excellent shop- laid back but professional. Don't let Champagne (which is cool for the bubbles but not very pretty or fishy) color your view of Dominica diving. The reef is stunning and the sea life is amazing- we saw an albino whale (on the surface) on one trip, a lobster the size of a Golden Retriever on a night dive, and a BAT FISH on another dive! Dominica is a hidden jewel for divers and hikers.
Thank you all for the lovely comments! I'm so glad you enjoyed the report. Now that February is fast-approaching, I'm thinking back fondly on this trip and am wishing for a re-do.
liltravlr--We were usually having breakfast when the ship was pulling into port and then we'd swing by our stateroom, grab our things, and head down to the dock. I found that most of the travelers preferred to sleep longer. One time, in Grenada, we got off and walked around before coming back to meet my parents; that second disembarkation was definitely more crowded than the earlier time. I will say that I prefer it when you don't have to wait for tenders--I've used them in the past and they can take longer. In general, however, it's not a problem if the boat docks early.
mymoosie and Blue Swimmer--Thank you both for the tips!