My wife and I are planning a Caribbean cruise(Puerto Plata, St.Kitts, Antigua, Martinique, St.Maarten and Tortola) in early April with Sunquest Dream Cruise (MS Sundream). Any information/tips on what to see, do ,eat and island excursions would be appreciated.
Thanks.
John Maciel

Caribbean: Eastern - more shoppy ports
Western: Better for Water Sports
Southern: More Active Itineraries - Lots of Fun

John--You're itinerary sounds great. In Tortola, I would definitely recommend the excursion to Virgin Gorda if you like beaches and are in good enough shape to do a little exploring in and around the rock caves that take you from one side of the beach to another. If you go, it is definitely worth the 15 minute exploring trip to get to the other side. Both beaches are beautiful with crystal clear water. Also, Saint Maarten is a great shopping port, particularly in Phillipsburg, and there are many good beaches also on this side of the Island. I have visited Dawn Beach and Orient Bay and both were lovely, although Orient may have had some damage from one of the hurricanes last year. Orient Bay also borders(ed) on a nudist colony and there were nude people on the beach; however, most should have kept their clothes on if you get my drift. Nice place to eat on Orient--Contiki Restaurant on the beach. Also, great water sports on St. Maarten, particularly parasailing which I loved! You might also enjoy a trip to the French side of the island, to Marigot, a quaint village with shopping and unique eateries. Martinique isn't one of my favorite caribbean islands, but perhaps you will enjoy it more. Can't comment on St. Kitts or Antigua--haven't been there yet. Have a great time!

We are going on a cruise in the beginning of December and we were wondering what kind of weather to expect.

My husband and I are going on a cruise with Holland America, The Westerdam, to the US Virgin Islands, the first week of Dec. Has anyone done this particular cruise? Is it easy to get around without signing up for shipboard tours? Anyone took the cruise itself on this particular ship that can give me some positives/negatives about their trip?

Maxine,

We too will be cruising in December. This will be my 3rd cruise, all of them taken within the first 2 weeks of December. The weather has been fantastic both years. Last year, we had one rainy day while in St. Thomas. However, it did not spoil our trip. Look forward to warm sunshine, and cool breezes. I think the weather is perfect. Not too hot!!!