green33

My husband and I decided to try our first cruise in April on RC Adventure of the Seas to the southern Caribbean. We will be going from Puerto Rico to Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Croix, St. Maarten, and Antigua. Any don't miss shore excursions or island activities? We like doing anything: adventure tours, cultural endeavors, or just playing in the ocean so all tips are welcome. Thanks!

Giovanna

It's been a very long time since we made a similar cruise, but I'll pass this on for what it's worth. In Barbados we visited the Harrison Caves and it was a very interesting tour. Here's a link so you can check it out:
http://www.barbados.org/hcave.htm

St. Maarten is divided by Dutch and French sides of the island. We did a city tour and saw both sides, with stops now and then for picture taking and shopping. Here's a link that may help you: http://www.st-maarten.com/

There's lot to do in Puerto Rico. I always wanted to visit El Yunque (a rainforest) but never made it. I'm sure more recent visitors to these islands will have much better info for you.

bonniejns

You really should go to El Moro in San Juan. This is the fort, built in the 1500's, that you pass on the left going into the port. It is fasinateing to walk around this very old fort! We now take the free public bus across from the pier in San Juan but we've been there a few times. There are two routes. WEent on one before lunch, had lunch on the ship thenm took the other. You can get on and off anywhere along the route.
In Barbados we like feeding the turtles! You snorkle with them while the dive master feeds them. We also snorkel over two wrecks 75' apart. The ship does a tour here but we do it privately with a LOT less people - there were 8 of us not 30-40.
In St Maartin we take the local bus, with natives, to the French side and/or a beach- $1.25 anywhere. The buses don't go to Orient Beach, the nude beach, but we have done that too.
In Antigua we got a cab with another couple and had a wonderful tour of the island for the day. You always negoiate a price for the whole cab- not per person- before you get in any cab in any port.
Its been quit a while since we've been in St. Lucia so can't help you there and never been to St. Croix. Gkas ships are going there again after many years.
If you want info on the turtle feeding or more on buses, email me at [email protected], subject turtles.

jacketwatch

We did that route in May/2008 on the same ship. You will love it! I recommend the following private guides who we used. You will be met on the dock and escorted on a tour that you can tailor to suit your needs. They use minivans which seat about 8 people and they have a cooler with local beer, pop and H20 and refreshments.
http://www.princepersonal.com/index.htm
http://www.spencerambrosetours.com/about.htm
http://www.tourguidegordon.com/

triathlete

Barbados is wonderful. If you're in port late enough to do a sunset catamaran sail, I would recommend it. (Have a Banks Beer, too!). There's a neat pottery factory if you have time to get there.

I'd second the vote for walking around the Old San Juan forts--very cool. If you're staying in San Juan, try the Caribe Hilton. Nice little self-contained resort. (Check betterbidding.com to see if you can get a deal via Priceline--I've paid as little as $75/night there). Antigua has lots of beautiful beaches. Just grab a can and spend the day relaxing.