rxtennis

has anyone island hopped on easy cruise? how was it? what is the best way to get to the smaller islands from Florida?

curiousx

I spoke to a number of people who had travelled on easycruise - they were folks in their 40's and 50's who were well-travelled and used to all kinds of accommodation and service - both basic and posh.

They said that the age distribution on the ship was normal, and they did not feel either out of place or that they were on a party boat for kids.

They said that easycruise was just fine as a low-cost basic way of travelling among the islands...think of it as a floating hostel.

They found the cabins very small and did not like the cramped shower arrangements but this was a minor cavil as they used the cabins only for sleeping.

They found the food on board reasonably priced and good but took advantage of the opportunities to have most of their meals ashore.

Their major complaint was that easycruise did not have any tours planned for the islands...the on-shore arrangements were mostly for events like snorkelling. Accordingly, their tip was to do research beforehand and arrange for tours in advance over the internet.

They also did not like the fact that there was always music playing on the ship - often quite loud. Take earplugs!

An alternative to easycruise would, of course, be the Amazing Grace, the supply ship for Windjammer...but it does not have such a fixed itinerary.

vinceygirl

Nice recommendation curiousx. Unfortunately Grace is in dry dock and isn't expected back in service for a month or two. Although she still does some of the delivery when in service, most of the ships in the itinerary obtain their supplies by container. Grace Day as supply day was so named truly a beautiful sight to behold. The crew on both ships worked in tandem and the team workmanship, like a well oiled machine. Often times the exchange was done while anchored in the bay as opposed to docking. Everyone had their spot and don't dare be out of sync. Passengers who were sailing back to back could be on board but had better stay out of the way.

joan

rxtennis, in addition to curiousx's excellent info, this thread contains a trip report from someone who recently took Easycruise:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34649284

As far as the best way to get to the smaller islands, you can fly directly from either Miami or San Juan. The Bahamas Out Islands can be reached easily from Ft. Lauderdale. Which islands are you talking about?

P.S. to vinceygirl: Trip report!!!! Trip report!!! Cannot wait to read it!

curiousx

thanks vinceygirl. I plan to use easycruise myself this winter to get to Martinique as the itinerary includes a short loop that works well for me (and you)...St. Vincent, Martinique, Bequia.

Interesting to hear about Amazing Grace. Thanks. The windjammer website is still offering sailings right from now through to the end of '06. They should update it!

vinceygirl

Updates on the website seem to be a problem. Don't know if they have a new site master or what. The Amazing Grace is not out of service as far as I know only having some work done.

Joan will do a trip report in the near future have only been home for a week and getting ready for the holidays. Will post when I can do a better job of collecting my thoughts. In a nut shell I still love the Grenadines rain or not, and was a great trip.

curiousx

vinceygirl - you had lotsa rain ?? I am so sorry. I was in Barbados and though it was raining when we touched down, it was sun every other day. That said, we spoke to people who said the previous weeks, especially November, had been unbelievably wet.

vinceygirl

curiousx, I most often visit SVG late Nov or early Dec. This is the most rain ever. In trips past there had always been days with rain but mostly sunshine. Not this time. I did get to see some beautiful rainbows so the trade off was good. And I appreciated the sunny days that much more.