steve

my wife and i are going on a cruise in early december. ports of call include martinique, anguilla, st. maarten, tortola and st. thomas. i'd love some insider info on the good places to go at each of these stops. the best beaches, shopping or any must-see or must-do things that aren't what the masses are up to. thanks

Mary

I've been to all those places except for Anguilla.<BR><BR>Martinique: Been there twice. The first time we took a ferry to a lovely beach but can't remember the name. It was a little crowded though. The second time we negotiated with a cab driver and took a tour around the island. As I remember correctly the downtown area didn't have too much to offer.<BR><BR>St. Maarten: also been there twice. Marigot, the French side, is great for shopping and eating. Orient Beach, one part is a nude and the other part is topless, is a gorgeous beach. Has all the facilities. Can be crowded. About 1/2 taxi cab ride from the pier. You can rent a car at the pier also and drive around the island.<BR><BR>Tortola: Nothing much in Road Town. But went to Cane Beach. Truly one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever been to. Considered one of the best beaches in the world. Restaurants near by. Enjoy the beach. I highly recommend it. Took a cab from the pier.<BR><BR>St. Thomas: Been there more times than I can remember. Great shopping in downtown Charlotte Amelie. Great beach, very quiet but with a restaurant, is called Secret (or Hidden) Harbor. Lovely. Took a cab from the pier to the beach. I hear that Megan's Bay is nice but crowded.<BR><BR>Hope this helps you. All the times I've been on a cruise to the Caribbean we've never taken any of the ship's tours but have gone on our own. Always, have had great taxi cab drivers who are dependable, and speak English (in the case of Martinique and St. Maarten/St. Martin). And the cab fare is fairly reasonable.

steve

thanks for all the info mary! great stuff. i'm embarrased to say we are not going into anguilla, but rather antigua. no excuses, i just blew it. any suggestions for antigua?? thanks again, steve

Michelle

Do not get off the ship in Martinique! The people are rude, and the beaches are not pretty compared to the other places you'll stop. Antigua is nice as is St. Maarten and St. Thomas. The shopping is better in St. Maarten than in St. Thomas- you can find better deals. I'm sorry I'm not giving more specifics, but it has been a few years since I've cruised this itinerary. Have fun!

Jason

Michelle<BR>AT LAST!! Someone agrees with me that the shopping in StMaarten is better than StThomas!!Wonders never cease!!Eeverytime I hav even mentioned it,the responses are clobbering me.So, thank you.<BR>Jason

Mary

Steve:<BR><BR>About Martinique: yes, I agree with Michelle about Martinique - - the people there can be pushy.<BR><BR>As for St. Maarten being better for shopping than St. Thomas - - hmm! It is good, but my personal favorite is St. Thomas.<BR><BR>As for Antigua - - been there only once. We were with two other couples who were power shoppers, so we only shopped there. I don't have the patience and didn't see much I liked. There is a shopping mall right as you get off the boat. I wished we had tried the beach(es) instead so I can't give you any infor. Just a bit of trivia if you are an Eric Clapton fan - - he has a place there. HA!<BR><BR>No matter what, you will thoroughly enjoy your trip. Personally I think the best thing you can do is go on your own, and save money by NOT doing any of the ship tours.<BR><BR>We are Western Carib bound for Thanksgiving!!

Sherry

Agree with many of the negative comments about Martinique. It certainly was not our favorite port for many of the same reasons mentioned however would not agree with not getting off the ship. It's worth a look see. We took the ferry to the beach recommended by the shore excursion person onboard the ship (but not a shore excursion)and we weren't that impressed - small strips of beach in front of the hotels. Hotel personnel were patroling the beach to ensure that the cruise passengers weren't using their lounge chairs without paying a fee. I can understand their point but! In St. Thomas we grabbed the ferry over to Trunk Bay on St. John. Did that excursion twice on a back to back cruise and would do it again or another similar beach on St. Johns. That to me would be a must do when going to St. Thomas.

Michelle

I am referring to gold prices when I say shopping is better in St. Maarten. In regards to other things (perfume, liquor, etc.), St. Thomas and St. Maarten are pretty equal.