hi, we'll be visiting St Lucia on a cruise port stop in Feb 2023... we've read / heard that traffic on the island is very bad and might impact getting back to the ship on time from visiting the Pitons etc at the other end of the island. (private tour).... we're considering a smaller boat tour from Castries, maybe a dozen passengers... any advice on the traffic and recommendations for a tour are appreciated !

We took a catamaran excursion offered by the cruise line. The view of the Pitons from the water is spectacular. The tour also included a land tour of the island. If you are on a ship's excursion you don't have to worry about being late. Of course, those offered by the ship are more costly.

If you join cruise critic, there will be experienced cruisers who can answer your questions and who may be getting tours together that you could join. There is probably also a Facebook page for your cruise.