First trip to Carribean-Senior Couple
Oct 24th, 2009, 10:17 AM
#21
After going to the Caribbean for 20 years (most islands) here are some of my thoughts.
In Feb. stay south. We have had some cool weather from the Virgins north in Jan.& Feb. Not to say it will positively be cool in the north, we have had some good years, but I wouldn't take a chance.
Barbados (west coast) would be a good place to start looking.
Aruba would be another good place to look. Both are a bit livlier with more to do. Some of the smaller islands would be beach, beach, and beach. We enjoy both atmospheres, but for the fist time I'd choose one of those two.
Another thought is, as mentioned above, a cruise. Our favorite is "The Windsurf" www.windstarcruises.com out of Barbados. It's a gorgeous sailing ship with only 300-350 passengers. The food is great, and being on deck at night under the stars is something to remember. Also you'd get a nice look at a few islands and see what you like. They also have a beach BBQ on a private beach that is fun. We are Seniors also and this is one of our favorites. You'd fit right in as it is an older crowd with very seldom any children.
Another sailing cruise is on www.starclippers.com A bit more casual, but again geared toward an older crowd with fabulous sailing and great food.
If sailing doesn't interest you (it's pretty stable, but if you're prone seasickness, you may want to chose another venue), You might want a larger ship. Maybe www.oceaniacruises.com or similar. My only advice on cruises is to not choose a 2,000 and uppassenger ship (it takes too long to get on and off although you do have more entertainment, etc. on board).
If you want to look at some very good prices go to www.vacationstogo.com
Again, these are just a few viewpoints from 2 now seniors who need there "blue water fix" every Feb.-March. My husband never wanted to go there but I dragged him in Feb. 1990. He took one look at that water and we've been back every year since.
In Feb. stay south. We have had some cool weather from the Virgins north in Jan.& Feb. Not to say it will positively be cool in the north, we have had some good years, but I wouldn't take a chance.
Barbados (west coast) would be a good place to start looking.
Aruba would be another good place to look. Both are a bit livlier with more to do. Some of the smaller islands would be beach, beach, and beach. We enjoy both atmospheres, but for the fist time I'd choose one of those two.
Another thought is, as mentioned above, a cruise. Our favorite is "The Windsurf" www.windstarcruises.com out of Barbados. It's a gorgeous sailing ship with only 300-350 passengers. The food is great, and being on deck at night under the stars is something to remember. Also you'd get a nice look at a few islands and see what you like. They also have a beach BBQ on a private beach that is fun. We are Seniors also and this is one of our favorites. You'd fit right in as it is an older crowd with very seldom any children.
Another sailing cruise is on www.starclippers.com A bit more casual, but again geared toward an older crowd with fabulous sailing and great food.
If sailing doesn't interest you (it's pretty stable, but if you're prone seasickness, you may want to chose another venue), You might want a larger ship. Maybe www.oceaniacruises.com or similar. My only advice on cruises is to not choose a 2,000 and uppassenger ship (it takes too long to get on and off although you do have more entertainment, etc. on board).
If you want to look at some very good prices go to www.vacationstogo.com
Again, these are just a few viewpoints from 2 now seniors who need there "blue water fix" every Feb.-March. My husband never wanted to go there but I dragged him in Feb. 1990. He took one look at that water and we've been back every year since.
Oct 24th, 2009, 12:27 PM
#23
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caribheart, I don't believe this....now it says 3:30PM!!!
Here is what I have found w/ Skyservice/Signature Vacations:
Feb 20,Flt 5G3018 Depart 9:35AM (Toronto) Arrive 3:20PM ( St. Kitts)
Feb 27, Flt 5G3019 Depart 4:20PM (St. Kitts) Arrive 8:30PM (Toronto)
$858 plus $233 Tax per person ($1091 per person)
Here is what I have found w/ Skyservice/Signature Vacations:
Feb 20,Flt 5G3018 Depart 9:35AM (Toronto) Arrive 3:20PM ( St. Kitts)
Feb 27, Flt 5G3019 Depart 4:20PM (St. Kitts) Arrive 8:30PM (Toronto)
$858 plus $233 Tax per person ($1091 per person)
Oct 24th, 2009, 03:58 PM
#24
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Do you mean you can't believe the arrival time? I am pretty sure that that time reflects the time change for flying to St. Kitts....the Caribbean for 6 months of the year...they don't have daylight savings...is an hour ahead or behind....anyhow - that is what the time reflects.. The same applies for the way back they always add some time to the flight when representing it on the computer because it is estimated...I think that St.Kitts is just over 4 hours and they round up to 5 to deal with any delays or slow down in flying time. So on the way back it looks like 4 hours but is actually 5 with the time change....it looks like 6 on the way there but is actually 5 with the time change...
Try www.selloffairfares.com or www.itravel2000.com for deals... signature is still the representing sales group but selloff and itravel buy their own seats to sell at a discount (I think...) so they can have lower prices. Also drop Liz an email (you can actually do it through this site as you will see in the upper right hand corner of this thread she is one of the St.Kitts officials...) as she will keep her eyes open for you for deals as she is not limited to Signatures price.
Hang in there - the taxes are vile aren't there...the price of 858.00 is not sooo bad in fact I think that is a goodish price as I feel my husband, parents and I are paying similar - my son a bit less.
Let me know how it goes!!
4Carolina - did you see Liz's contact information...although I missed out on her this year (have you forgiven me yet Liz?) she is great and will help all through easy email!!
Hey Liz I hope you are well and I am still sorry to have missed you this time with our booking!
Try www.selloffairfares.com or www.itravel2000.com for deals... signature is still the representing sales group but selloff and itravel buy their own seats to sell at a discount (I think...) so they can have lower prices. Also drop Liz an email (you can actually do it through this site as you will see in the upper right hand corner of this thread she is one of the St.Kitts officials...) as she will keep her eyes open for you for deals as she is not limited to Signatures price.
Hang in there - the taxes are vile aren't there...the price of 858.00 is not sooo bad in fact I think that is a goodish price as I feel my husband, parents and I are paying similar - my son a bit less.
Let me know how it goes!!
4Carolina - did you see Liz's contact information...although I missed out on her this year (have you forgiven me yet Liz?) she is great and will help all through easy email!!
Hey Liz I hope you are well and I am still sorry to have missed you this time with our booking!
Oct 24th, 2009, 04:04 PM
#25
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Just as a footnote for why I keep pushing the other places with Liz is you can do your research (half the fun really) but still ask Liz to be the one to deal with the booking for you - then you can get the great deals that are out there as Liz has access to so you can make your decision - but Liz can help with the details around times etc...so you don't feel so frustrated!! It can be a royal pain...navigating the systems in terms of times and fees etc...insurance on trip and health on and on...
Oct 24th, 2009, 06:55 PM
#26
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Caribheart: Coming back it says Skyservice leaves St. Kitts @ 4:30PM & arrives Toronto @ 8:30PM...but shouldn't that be 7:30 w/ the time change assuming it is a 4 hour flight. St. Kitts is 1 hour ahead of us, right?
Four hour flight wld be 8:30PM St Kitts time & 7:30 TO time. Going to St. Kitts it leaves Toronto @ 9:30AM, arrives @ 3:20PM in St. kitts(2:30 TO time). So, I am thinking it must be a 5 hour flight.
Arriving in St. Kitts @ 3:20 is 2:20PM TO ( 9:30AM-2:20PM)
and returning 4:30PM St Kitts arriving 8:30PM Toronto which wld be 9:30 St. Kitts time. So, a 5 hour flight. Same as Aruba which we did last year on air Canada in February,
Four hour flight wld be 8:30PM St Kitts time & 7:30 TO time. Going to St. Kitts it leaves Toronto @ 9:30AM, arrives @ 3:20PM in St. kitts(2:30 TO time). So, I am thinking it must be a 5 hour flight.
Arriving in St. Kitts @ 3:20 is 2:20PM TO ( 9:30AM-2:20PM)
and returning 4:30PM St Kitts arriving 8:30PM Toronto which wld be 9:30 St. Kitts time. So, a 5 hour flight. Same as Aruba which we did last year on air Canada in February,
Oct 25th, 2009, 05:07 AM
#27
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I believe, if memory serves me correctly, it is less than 5 hours as I know Barbados and Grenada - are definitively 5 hours....St.Kitts is closer to 4 hours...so 4 and a bit with wind and weather and delays I believe that is why they post it as 5 to acommodate these issues.
I just know that it is an easier flight than Bbdos and Gnd in terms of the little bit too long on a flight with a child. I hope I am not leading you astray but I am still pretty sure to tell you you will find this a shorter flight than Aruba...St.Kitts is not as far south as GND or Aruba either...
But still warm fabulous weather....I will be returning on February 3 so I at that time I can give you more certain information - good grief our trip still seems so far away!
I just know that it is an easier flight than Bbdos and Gnd in terms of the little bit too long on a flight with a child. I hope I am not leading you astray but I am still pretty sure to tell you you will find this a shorter flight than Aruba...St.Kitts is not as far south as GND or Aruba either...
But still warm fabulous weather....I will be returning on February 3 so I at that time I can give you more certain information - good grief our trip still seems so far away!
Oct 25th, 2009, 05:10 AM
#28
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I just emailed Liz,and await her reply....eagerly.We live in D.C. and would be delighted with a great package deal.Thanks TPAYT,for all your suggestions.we are not interested in a cruise.....just beautiful,quiet beaches and a pleasant on or close to beach resort.ALL suggestions welcomed!!What a great community of travellers are on this board !! So amny thanks !
Oct 26th, 2009, 03:18 AM
#30
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I am glad both of you are going to have a lovely vacation in the Caribbean - it is truly my idea of Eden....I hope that the recommendations given have you feeling the same way!!
Ocean - I figure you are right - 3 months is not that long and when you factor in that I am giving birth to my second child in two weeks...I bet the time will fly at that point! Ok - I really really hope....crossed fingers!!!
Ocean - I figure you are right - 3 months is not that long and when you factor in that I am giving birth to my second child in two weeks...I bet the time will fly at that point! Ok - I really really hope....crossed fingers!!!
Oct 26th, 2009, 02:15 PM
#32
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Hehehe - thank you for reminding me - I forgot about all of those little joys after the fact...last time my Father in Law posted our son in the Toronto Star I will give you a heads up as I will definetly have my computer close to me for those wee small hours when you feel a bit cut off - try to keep me sane!!
Thanks for the well wishes we are pretty excited...great time of year for us - baby, Christmas and St.Kitts! Whatever shall we do in the month of March....hehehe
Thanks for the well wishes we are pretty excited...great time of year for us - baby, Christmas and St.Kitts! Whatever shall we do in the month of March....hehehe
Oct 29th, 2009, 03:56 AM
#34
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I have not heard anything...that is crazy!! As far as we know we are still going in January and returning in February....what site are you looking at? That is nerve wracking to say the least...for you and for us now too....yikes!! After I stop stressing about these darn H1N1 flu clinics I will call and find out what is happening with our flights too....! No one has called us and given us this information though.
Have you called them directly or called the site directly that you are looking at?
Have you called them directly or called the site directly that you are looking at?
Oct 29th, 2009, 05:35 AM
#35
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I too am a fan of Grenada. If you're really seeking tranquility, I would suggest checking out LaSource. It's located on a beautiful and secluded part of the beach, and a spa treatment is included each day of your stay! Plenty of activities are also available (tennis lessons, scuba, water skiing) as part of the nightly rate, along with fresh and healthy meals.
The website is www.theamazingholiday.com. Let me know if you have any questions!
The website is www.theamazingholiday.com. Let me know if you have any questions!
Oct 29th, 2009, 07:14 AM
#36
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READ reply from TPAYT above. It has great information and we totally agree with the idea. (of course, we lived on our sailboat in the Caribbean for over 2 years). We loved all of the islands for their own character. Stay south to stay warm. We spent a lot of time in Martinique but the Euro is so high now that it's not the best deal. St Lucia is a beautiful island and has lots of places to stay including a number of "all inclusive" spots. The "Pitons" and hotel near them are stunning. Barbados is quite "British" still.
You can't go wrong with either of the sailing vessels that TPAYT suggested. Seeing the islands from the water can't be equaled by anything on land! Good luck and enjoy!
You can't go wrong with either of the sailing vessels that TPAYT suggested. Seeing the islands from the water can't be equaled by anything on land! Good luck and enjoy!
Oct 29th, 2009, 08:15 AM
#37
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We have visited Barbados a couple of times and each time have been blown away by the beauty of the place. We do plan to go and visit again and again. It does have everything on your wish list.
Blessings to you on your 52nd anniversary. Have a good one!
Blessings to you on your 52nd anniversary. Have a good one!
Oct 29th, 2009, 10:59 AM
#38
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Caribheart, I Googled Skyservice & tried to check availabilty through Signature. It looks like their last flight to St. Kitts is Dec 19, 2009.
I have sent a note to Liz asking her to check on this & figure out what is going on.
Did you get the shot? Or, not?
I have sent a note to Liz asking her to check on this & figure out what is going on.
Did you get the shot? Or, not?
Oct 29th, 2009, 03:16 PM
#39
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OceanBreeze1 - I got the shot and all went well...compared with our ruined attempt yesterday! Thx for asking!!
Well that is definetly a problem if what skyservice is saying is true...let me check the site we used to book....ok this is bad karma then...I didn't book with Liz this time and I am on my own with this one...
I went to selloffvacations.com and they are demonstrating whatyou have said - that they are not offering packages past Dec.19....so I called Selloff and they have said they still have us in their system confirmed so unless they hear otherwise through Signature all is proceeding well....BUT - if I were you and had not booked yet...then hopefully Liz will respond to you soon and let you know what is going on and what your options are for booking St.Kitts....
My fingers are crossed for you and for us now too!! How tragic it would be if none of our trips to SKB worked out...it really is a lovely lovely place!!
I will keep you updated of our situation...Thanks!! I am sorry I couldnt be more help!
Well that is definetly a problem if what skyservice is saying is true...let me check the site we used to book....ok this is bad karma then...I didn't book with Liz this time and I am on my own with this one...
I went to selloffvacations.com and they are demonstrating whatyou have said - that they are not offering packages past Dec.19....so I called Selloff and they have said they still have us in their system confirmed so unless they hear otherwise through Signature all is proceeding well....BUT - if I were you and had not booked yet...then hopefully Liz will respond to you soon and let you know what is going on and what your options are for booking St.Kitts....
My fingers are crossed for you and for us now too!! How tragic it would be if none of our trips to SKB worked out...it really is a lovely lovely place!!
I will keep you updated of our situation...Thanks!! I am sorry I couldnt be more help!
